World Consumer Rights Day 2023: World Consumer Rights Day is observed annually on March 15 to raise consumer awareness. As a consumer, it is critical to understand the steps we can take if we are dissatisfied with a purchased product or service or feel cheated. World Consumer Rights Day aims to educate people about their consumer rights while also highlighting areas where there is a lack of consumer protection.
The Consumer Protection Act 2019 was passed by Parliament in August 2019, replacing the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. In July 2020, the Consumer Protection Act 2019 went into effect.
Consumer rights empower the consumers to protect themselves from unfair trade practices that violate their purchasing rights.#ConsumerRights pic.twitter.com/OOeKVUK0VG
— Consumer Affairs (@jagograhakjago) March 12, 2023
World Consumer Rights Day 2023: Theme
The theme of this year’s World Consumer Rights Day is ‘Empowering Consumers Through Clean Energy Transitions,’ according to Consumer International. The theme aims to achieve a just transition in the energy sector. Consumer International states that, “Amidst the greatest cost-of-living crisis in a generation and as the energy world drastically responds to supply and climate issues, we have a core role to play in delivering a just transition for consumers”.
Consumers have six basic rights under the Consumer Protection Act. The consumer’s right is defined as the consumer’s right to adequate information about the quantity, quality, purity, price, potency, and standard of a product that they use. These rights shield the consumer from any wrongdoing.
The 8 basic rights of the consumers:
- Right to safety
- Right to basic needs
- Right to choose
- Right to information
- Right to representation
- Right to seek redressal
- Right to healthy environment
- Right to consumer education
World Consumer Rights Day 2023: 6 consumer rights every Indian should know about
- Right to Safety
The right to safety refers to the consumer’s right to be shielded from the marketing of goods and services that endanger life and property.
2. Right to be Informed
This right guarantees that the consumer is aware of the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of the goods and services purchased. This safeguards the consumer against unfair business practises.
3. Right to Choose
All consumers have the right to access a wide range of products and services on the market at reasonable prices.
4. Right to be Heard
The Right to be Heard ensures that a consumer’s interests are properly considered at appropriate forums. The right also ensures that the consumer is represented in various forums established for the benefit of the consumer.
5. Right to Seek Redressal
In the event of genuine grievances, every consumer has the right to seek redress for unfair trade practises or unscrupulous exploitation and to demand a fair settlement. Consumers must file a complaint for genuine grievances in order to do so.
6. Right to Consumer Education
It is the responsibility of consumers to be aware of their rights. The right to consumer education entails the ability to acquire knowledge and skills necessary to become an informed consumer.
