Consumer Education and Protection Notes in English Class 12 Home Science Chapter-12 Book-Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part-II

 

Preface

We buy things and avail services to satisfy our needs and desires, so every human being is a consumer. Has it ever happened that you, your parents or friends have paid for something, but the quality or quantity turned out to be less than expected? Or you have bought a service after seeing an advertisement, but in reality it turned out to be not as per the plan? What did you do in such a situation? Did you complain? Was your problem solved, or did you think it would have been better if you had got some help?

Importance of consumer education and protection

In today's time, the sale of products and services is increasing rapidly in urban and rural markets. But it is important to understand that the consumer is the center of any business.

relationship between consumer and producer

Manufacturers have a responsibility to provide good quality products and solve consumer problems. Consumers must be aware of their needs and rights and choose the right product. Today, companies understand that consumer satisfaction is vital to their reputation and profits.

Globalization and the Consumer

Globalization gives consumers more choices of products and better quality at lower prices. But it also brings challenges such as it has become difficult to choose the right product, there is a need to understand new technology and products, and there is an increased risk of exploitation, misleading advertising, and dishonest sellers.

Why is an informed consumer important?

An informed consumer recognises his rights, knows the right to complain and seek redressal. He chooses the right product by comparing quality and price, avoids misleading advertisements and fraud, and helps protect himself and others from exploitation by making informed choices.

Importance of Consumer Education in India

• Consumer education and protection have become essential in today's times.

• The government has opened up the market to foreign companies, giving Indian consumers more choices.

• Consumers must be aware to buy wisely.

Basic Concepts

Consumers are individuals who purchase goods and services to satisfy their needs. Consumers are the main components of any economic system. Their purchasing behaviour not only affects their standard of living but also boosts the country's economy.

Consumers and their expectations

Consumers expect good quality products and reasonable prices for personal use. They want products that make life easier and prestigious. Also, they expect to get quality services and to avoid fraud.

Main problems of the consumer

Consumers face many problems. Sometimes the product lacks quality, or adulteration causes harm to health. Sellers charge more than the fair price, and consumers do not know the real cost. Problems such as lack of information on rights and laws, misleading labels and advertising, incorrect weights and measures, and counterfeit products are common. Tempting offers may confuse consumers, and lack of after-sales services causes trouble, such as in water, electricity, banking and insurance services.

Solution: Be an informed and cautious consumer

Consumers should buy products with correct information by comparing quality and price. Choose reputed brands and certified products to avoid adulteration and counterfeit products. Know your rights and use consumer protection laws and forums. Be cautious of misleading advertisements and get complete information before purchasing. 

Eco-friendly production and green consumption

Consumer awareness and protection of consumer rights have become extremely important in today's times. In the age of increasing globalization and digitalization, consumers should be aware of their rights, duties, and the changing market scenario.

Green Marketing and Sustainability

Green marketing promotes environmentally friendly products, which lead to less waste and save resources. Consumer education is important so that people can avoid clever and deceptive market strategies and understand their rights and obligations.

Consumer Rights

The Government of India has set forth six rights for consumers: Right to Safety (to be protected from harmful products), Right to Information (to be informed about the quality and price of products), Right to Choose (to choose the product as per one's needs), Right to be heard (to have complaints redressed), Right to Get Grievance Redressal (to get compensation) and Right to Education (to acquire knowledge to make informed decisions).

Consumer protection measures

Standardization marks like ISI mark ensure product quality and safety, Agmark ensures purity of agricultural products, Hallmark ensures purity of gold and silver, and FSSAI ensures food safety. Consumer organizations and NGOs create awareness among consumers and help in legal advice and grievance redressal.

Duties of the consumer

Compare prices and quality before buying. Read product labels and information carefully. Buy products with standardization marks and keep receipts and documents safe. It is also important to understand the terms and conditions of services.

Career Options

To pursue a career in consumer education and protection, degree programmes like B.Sc. Home Science, Family Resource Management, B.B.A. and special courses in consumer studies and market behaviour are available.

Workspace

After taking training in consumer education and protection, you can make a career in many fields. These opportunities are available not only in government organizations but also in private and non-government sectors.

Opportunities in Government Organizations

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, and the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection function in managerial and technical positions and ensure the implementation of consumer policies.

Opportunities in Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

Magazine publications, empowerment campaigns, and consumer organizations are managed to raise consumer awareness and provide education.

Corporate and Customer Relationship Management

The customer service division resolves consumer complaints and manages databases. Market research studies consumer behaviour and analyses the acceptance and suggestions for new products.

Education and counseling

Consumer studies can be taught in schools and colleges as part of teaching work in the consumer field. Awareness campaigns can be conducted at school and college level in the form of consumer club counsellors. Independent counsellors can provide guidance in consumer courts.

Other Career Options

Career options in the consumer sector include material development for advertising and promotions, evaluation of products in product testing laboratories, legal training for consumer activism, writing on consumer affairs in journalism, and insurance, stock, and portfolio management in financial management.