1. Right to Safety
Means right to be protected against the marketing of goods and
services, which are hazardous to life and property. The purchased
goods and services availed of should not only meet their immediate
needs, but also fulfil long term interests.
Before purchasing, consumers should insist on the quality of
the products as well as on the guarantee of the products and services.
They should preferably purchase quality marked products such as
ISI,AGMARK, etc.
2. Right to be Informed
Means right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency,
purity, standard and price of goods so as to protect the consumer
against unfair trade practices.
Consumer should insist on getting all the information about the
product or service before making a choice or a decision. This
will enable him to act wisely and responsibly and also enable
him to desist from falling prey to high pressure selling techniques.
3. Right to Choose
Means right to be assured, wherever possible of access to variety
of goods and services at competitive price. In case of monopolies,
it means right to be assured of satisfactory quality and service
at a fair price.
It also includes right to basic goods and services. This is because
unrestricted right of the minority to choose can mean a denial
for the majority of its fair share. This right can be better exercised
in a competitive market where a variety of goods are available
at competitive prices.
4. Right to be heard
Means that consumer's interests will receive due consideration
at appropriate forums. It also includes right to be represented
in various forums formed to consider the consumer's welfare.
The Consumers should form non-political and non-commercial consumer
organizations which can be given representation in various committees
formed by the Government and other bodies in matters relating
to consumers.
5. Right to seek redressal
Means right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices
or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers. It also includes right
to fair settlement of the genuine grievances of the consumer.
Consumers must make complaint for their genuine grievances.Many
a times their complaint may be of small value but its impact on
the society as a whole may be very large. They can also take the
help of consumer organisations in seeking redressal of their grievances.
6. Right to Consumer Education
Means the right to acquire the knowledge and skill to be an informed
consumer throughout life.Ignorance of consumers, particularly
of rural consumers, is mainly responsible for their exploitation.
They should know their rights and must exercise them. Only then
real consumer protection can be achieved with success.