NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Social Science Economics Chapter 5 Consumer Rights help students to score good marks in the exams. These NCERT Solutions are prepared by expert teachers and based on the latest pattern and edition NCERT book. Here we have provided answers to all the questions in a very easy language.
Class 10 Economics Chapter 5 Consumer Rights Questions and Answers
EXERCISE
Question 1: Why are rules and regulations required in the marketplace? Illustrate with a few examples.
Answer: Rules and regulations are essential in the marketplace to protect consumers from exploitation and unfair practices. Especially when large companies are producing these goods and these companies with huge wealth, power and reach can manipulate the market in various ways. In the marketplace, individual consumers often find themselves in a weaker position compared to sellers. For example, when there’s a complaint about a product or service, sellers might try to shift all responsibility onto the buyer implying that the seller bears no responsibility after the sale. Such situations highlight the need for rules and regulations to ensure that the rights of consumers are protected.
Question 2: What factors gave birth to the consumer movement in India? Trace its evolution.
Answer: The consumer movement in India emerged from the need to protect consumers from unethical trade practices and evolved significantly over time. It was catalyzed by widespread issues in the 1960s, such as food shortages, hoarding, black marketing, and the adulteration of food and edible oil. Till the 1970s, consumer organisations were mostly busy writing articles in newspaper, magazine and holding exhibitions.
More recently, there has been an upsurge in the number of consumer groups who have shown concern towards ration shop malpractices and overcrowding of public transport vehicles. Over the years, the movement gained momentum, especially following global developments like the adoption of the UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection in 1985. This period saw a surge in the number of consumer groups, expanding their scope and influence. In 1986, the Indian government enacted the Consumer Protection Act, also known as COPRA. This was a major step in the consumer movement in India.
In recent years, the movement has adapted to the digital era, addressing e-commerce challenges, strengthening legal protections, and focusing on consumer education and empowerment. Today, it remains vital in safeguarding consumer interests, ensuring fair market practices, and promoting consumer safety and awareness.
Question 3: Explain the need for consumer consciousness by giving two examples.
Answer: Individual consumers often find themselves in a weak position in the marketplace. Consumer consciousness is essential to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their purchases and protect their rights as consumers. It helps to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their purchases and protect their rights as consumers.
Here are two examples illustrating the need for consumer consciousness:
- A consumer who lacks awareness might buy packaged food without checking the expiration date, risking food poisoning or health issues. However, a conscious consumer would inspect labels, be aware of food safety regulations, and report any concerns, contributing to safer food practices and better health.
- In the digital age, online shopping has become prevalent. However, it also comes with risks, such as counterfeit products, fraud, and misleading product descriptions. A conscious consumer is cautious when shopping online, verifying the credibility of the e-commerce platform and checking for customer reviews and ratings. Such awareness can prevent falling victim to scams and ensure a satisfactory shopping experience.
Question 4: Mention a few factors which cause exploitation of consumers.
Answer: Factors which cause exploitation of consumers are:
- Lack of awareness of consumer rights among buyers.
- Improper and inadequate monitoring of rules and regulations. There is no fixed law for quality and rate
- Misleading advertising in the media.
- Consumers are scattered over large areas.
- The main reason for exploitation of consumers is the lack of knowledge. Several consumers do not have the knowledge about the price, quality, services related commodities.
Question 5: What is the rationale behind the enactment of Consumer Protection Act 1986?
Answer: The Consumer Protection Act 1986 in India was enacted to safeguard consumer rights and provide a legal mechanism for addressing grievances. It empowered consumers against defective goods, deficient services, and unfair trade practices.
Question 6: Describe some of your duties as consumers if you visit a shopping complex in your locality.
Answer: Some of my duties as a consumer if I visit a shopping complex include:
- Checking expiry dates of the products I wish to purchase.
- Examine goods for quality and check if prices are displayed clearly.
- Paying no more than the maximum retail price printed on the goods.
- Asking for a proper bill or receipt for the goods I purchased.
- Reporting any unfair trade practices or unethical behavior to the appropriate authorities.
- To be aware of the quality and safety of goods and services before purchasing.
- Opt for eco-friendly and sustainable products. Be mindful of reducing waste, especially with packaging materials.
Question 7: Suppose you buy a bottle of honey and a biscuit packet. Which logo or mark you will have to look for and why?
Answer: When buying a bottle of honey and a biscuit packet, you should look for logos like “ISI” or “Agmark.” These logos indicate that the products meet certain quality standards. ISI (Indian Standards Institute) mark signifies quality assurance in industrial products, while Agmark (Agricultural Marketing) certifies agricultural products. These certifications are important as they assure the consumer of the quality and safety of the products.
Question 8: What legal measures were taken by the government to empower the consumers in India?
Answer: Here are the key legal measures taken by the Indian government to empower consumers:
- Enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 (COPRA).
- Establishment of a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery for consumer dispute redressal at district, state, and national levels.
- Provision for easy and fast-track resolution of consumer disputes.
- Protection against unfair trade practices and consumer exploitation.
- Empowerment of consumer organizations to represent consumer interests.
- In October 2005, the Right to Information Act was passed, ensuring citizens all information about the functioning of government departments.
Question 9: Mention some of the rights of consumers and write a few sentences on each.
Answer: Some of the rights of consumers are as follows :
- Right to Safety: Consumers have the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services that are hazardous to life and property. This right emphasizes the need for manufacturers to follow strict safety standards.
- Right to Information: Consumers have the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods and services. This right aims to protect the consumer from unfair trade practices.
- Right to Choice: This right ensures that consumers have access to a variety of products and services at competitive prices. It implies the consumer’s right to be assured of satisfactory quality and service at a fair price.
- Right to Redressal: Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation. This right includes the ability to receive a fair settlement of genuine grievances.
- Right to Consumer Education: Consumers have the right to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be an informed consumer. It includes awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities.
Question 10: By what means can the consumers express their solidarity?
Answer: Consumers can express their solidarity through various means such as:
- Forming Consumer Organizations: These organizations work collectively to protect and promote consumer interests. They provide platforms for consumers to come together and address issues.
- Protesting Against Unfair Practices: Consumers can join in protests or campaigns against businesses that engage in unfair or unethical practices.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Participating in or organizing campaigns to raise public awareness about consumer rights and issues.
- Legal Action: Consumers can collectively approach the courts or consumer forums if their rights are violated.
- Advocacy and Lobbying: Engaging in advocacy or lobbying for consumer rights with policymakers and regulatory authorities.
Question 11: Critically examine the progress of consumer movement in India.
Answer: The consumer movement in India has experienced progress, but also faces challenges. Since the 1960s, there has been an increase in consumer awareness and the establishment of consumer groups. The Consumer Protection Act of 1986 (COPRA) was a significant milestone. Despite these advancements, issues persist, such as complicated redressal processes, the need for legal assistance, and difficulty in gathering evidence. The movement’s effectiveness still relies heavily on consumer participation and awareness. The progress has been steady but gradual, highlighting the need for more active consumer involvement and stronger enforcement of consumer protection laws.
Question 12: Match the following:
| (i) | Availing details of ingredients of a product | (a) | Right to safety |
| (ii) | Agmark | (b) | Dealing with consumer cases |
| (iii) | Accident due to the faulty engine in a scooter | (c) | Certification of edible oil and cereals |
| (iv) | District Consumer Court | (d) | Agency that develops standards for goods and services |
| (v) | Consumers International | (e) | Right to information |
| (vi) | Bureau of Indian Standards | (f) | Global level institution of consumer welfare organisations |
Answer:
| (i) | Availing details of ingredients of a product | (e) | Right to information |
| (ii) | Agmark | (c) | Certification of edible oil and cereals |
| (iii) | Accident due to the faulty engine in a scooter | (a) | Right to safety |
| (iv) | District Consumer Court | (b) | Dealing with consumer cases |
| (v) | Consumers International | (f) | Global level institution of consumer welfare organisations |
| (vi) | Bureau of Indian Standards | (d) | Agency that develops standards for goods and services |
Question 13: Say True or False.
(i) COPRA applies only to goods.
Answer: False
(ii) India is one of the many countries in the world which has exclusive courts for consumer redressal.
Answer: True
(iii) When a consumer feels that he has been exploited, he must file a case in the District Consumer Court.
Answer: True
(iv) It is worthwhile to move to consumer courts only if the damages incurred are of high value.
Answer: True
(v) Hallmark is the certification maintained for standardisation of jewellery.
Answer: True
(vi) The consumer redressal process is very simple and quick.
Answer: False
(vii) A consumer has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of the damage.
Answer: True