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Bharatiya Grahak Diwas 2024: National Consumer Day is an apt occasion to highlight the need for fighting against the issues like overpricing, adulteration and misleading advertising.
Bharatiya Grahak Diwas, also known as National Consumer Day, is celebrated annually on December 24. (Image: Shutterstock)
National Consumer Day 2024: Every year on December 24, Bharatiya Grahak Diwas, also known as National Consumer Day, is observed to raise awareness about consumer rights. In India, the Consumer Protection Act 1986, grants every citizen the rights to protect their interest and take remedial steps against any kind of exploitation by sellers, traders and big brands.
National Consumer Day is an apt occasion to highlight the need for fighting against the issues like overpricing, adulteration and misleading advertising.
Why Is December 24 Celebrated As National Consumer Day?
In India, December 24 is celebrated every year as the National Consumer Day to commemorate the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act 1986. The law enacted to protect the rights of the consumers received the assent of the President on this date. The goal of National Consumer Day is to educate all consumers about their rights and obligations.
Bharatiya Grahak Divas 2024: History And Significance
The Consumer Protection Bill got the President’s assent on December 24, 1986. To recognise the significance of the day, December 24 is being celebrated as the National Consumer Day every year.
In 1991, 1993, and 2002, the Consumer Protection Act underwent additional revisions to improve its efficacy and consumer-friendliness. The amended Act was enacted in March 2003.
The 1986 Consumer Protection Act has now been replaced by the Consumer Protection Act 2019. The law came into effect in July 2020.
Consumer complaints can now be easily and quickly resolved under the 2019 Act. It protects customers and encourages them to file complaints against deficiencies in products and services. The Act lists five duties that every consumer should fulfil in addition to the six consumer rights that all citizens of country are entitled to.
In addition to numerous other unfair trade practices, consumers are protected from hoarding, fake or misleading advertisements, fraudulent promises, and inadequate or subpar products.
An efficient complaint redressal platform allows customers to file their complaints without any hassle. The government has also set up the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) as a single point access for redressal of all consumer grievances.
Bharatiya Grahak Divas 2024: Quotes
- Your customers’ perceptions are your reality.
- Your most dissatisfied consumers are your greatest source of knowledge.
- Get to know your customers better than ever. So close that you know what they need before they realise it themselves.
- Your customer does not care how much you know unless they understand how much you care.
- If you don’t compromise on quality, your customers won’t negotiate pricing.
Bharatiya Grahak Divas 2024: 5 Important Consumer Rights You Must Know
- Right to Safety: There should be no risks to your health or wellbeing from goods and services. This right covers use of safe ingredients, correct labelling of products and adherence to safety regulations.
- Right to Information: You are entitled to clear and accurate information about the cost, composition, quality, and possible hazards of the goods and services you buy. This shields you from deceptive advertising and hidden charges.
- Right to Choose: Without being coerced or manipulated, every consumer has the right to select from a range of goods and services at affordable costs.
- Right to Fair Treatment: When purchasing goods or services, no one should face discrimination on the basis of race, gender or religion. All consumers must be treated with dignity and respect by businesses.
- Right to Redressal: You are entitled to redressal if you experience unfair treatment, or receive any defective products. This entails taking legal action if required and filing complaints before consumer courts for compensation.
