Question

What factors gave birth to the consumer movement in India?

Answer 1

The consumer movement in India arose from consumer dissatisfaction stemming from unfair trade practices and exploitation. The key factors include:

1. Lack of consumer protection and rights.
2. Exploitation through unfair practices like adulteration, overpricing, and false advertising.
3. Limited information and low literacy among consumers.
4. Monopoly or limited competition causes price manipulation.
5. Shortage of goods leading to hoarding and price rise.
6. Growing education levels in the 1960s-70s led to awareness of rights.
7. Consumer groups are emerging to address malpractices in ration shops, transport, and markets.
8. Pressure from consumer forums led to the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.