Significance, History, and Rights on Consumer’s Day
World Consumer Rights Day is the day we acknowledge and promote consumer rights every year on March 15. The day is marked to improve consumer awareness and support consumer protection. It is an opportunity to emphasize the significance of safeguarding consumers, defending their rights, and ensuring that they have access to safe and affordable products and services.
The purpose of World Consumer Rights Day is to ensure that consumers are not subjected to market exploitation or any injustice that jeopardizes their rights. This year’s World Consumers Day theme is ‘Empowering Consumers Through Clean Energy Transitions’.
We have a critical role to play in achieving a just transition for consumers in the middle of the largest cost-of-living crisis in a generation, while the energy sector dramatically responds to supply and climate challenges.
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History and Significance
The day was inspired by US President John F. Kennedy’s speech to the US Congress on March 15, 1962, in which he highlighted four essential consumer rights, namely, the right to be informed, the right to be heard, the right to choose, and the right to safety. It was first commemorated on March 15, 1983. By becoming the first international leader to do so, he highlighted consumer rights issues and laid the framework for future talks.
Some crucial rights for every consumer to be aware of are:
Right to Consumer Education
The right to acquire the knowledge and skills required to be an informed consumer throughout one’s life. Consumer illiteracy, particularly among rural inhabitants, is largely responsible for their exploitation. Individuals should be informed of and exercise their rights. Only then there will be effective consumer protection.
Right to Be Heard
This means that consumer interests will be considered in appropriate forums. It also includes the right to be represented in a variety of forums intended to assess consumer welfare. Consumers should form non-political and non-commercial consumer groups that can be granted membership in various committees formed by the government and other bodies in areas relevant to consumers.
Right To Seek Redressal
It covers the consumer’s right to a fair resolution of legitimate problems. Consumers that have legitimate concerns must make an inquiry. Their criticisms may be of minor consequence at times, but their impact on society as a whole may be enormous. Consumers can also seek assistance from consumer organizations. This aids consumers in seeking damages and monetary compensation with regard to their claims and also compels producers, sellers, distributors, etc. to be cautious.
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Right to Choose
This essentially means the right to have access to a diverse range of products and services at reasonable rates whenever possible. It denotes the right to expect adequate quality and service at a reasonable price in the situation of monopolies.
It also encompasses the fundamental right to goods and services. This is due to the fact that the minority’s absolute right to choose may imply a rejection of the majority’s fair share. This right is more easily exercised in a competitive market when various things are available at reasonable prices.
Right To Be Informed
In order to defend themselves from unfair business activities, customers have the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods.
Consumers should insist on receiving all necessary details about the goods or services before making a choice or decision. This will enable him to act sensibly and responsibly, as well as avoid becoming a victim of high-pressure marketing tactics.
Right To Safety
Basically, it refers to the right to be free from the promotion of goods and services that risk life and property. The things and services purchased should not only meet their current needs but also achieve long-term goals.
Buyers should demand product quality as well as product and service warranties before making a purchase.
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Conclusion
It is imperative that consumers understand their rights as outlined by law and be aware of any product safety guidelines or other legal issues that may affect their purchase. Learning one’s rights helps consumers in making informed decisions when it comes to their purchases. This means researching products and services to ensure they are getting the best value for their money.
Being aware of unfair trade and deceptive market practices is another aspect of consumer rights. Keeping 2023’s theme in mind, we must be mindful of our environmental impact and try to reduce the consumption of resources where possible. This can include reducing waste, recycling, and using renewable energy sources.
