Consumer Awareness - Questions & Answers
QUESTION BANK1. Who is a consumer?
Answer: Consumer is a person who purchases goods and services for the satisfaction of his/her wants.
2. Who is a producer?
Answer: Producer is a person or company that produces/makes goods for sale in the market.
3. What is consumer protection?
Answer: Consumer protection means protection of consumer rights against wrong practices of sellers in the market.
4. What is meant by consumer rights?
Answer: Consumer rights refer to the legal rights which are given to the consumers to protect against wrong practices of sellers in the market.
5. What is COPRA? When was it introduced?
Answer: Consumer Protection Act is popularly known as COPRA. It was introduced by the Government of India in 1986.
6. What is meant by consumer awareness?
Answer: Consumer's awareness is an act of making sure that the consumer is aware of the information about products service and consumer rights.
7. On which day of the year is 'National Consumers Day' celebrated in India?
Answer: 24th December is observed as National Consumers Day in India because on this day in 1986 COPRA was enacted by the Indian Parliament.
8. Which day is observed as World Consumer Rights Day?
Answer: March 15.
9. On which products is the ISI/BIS mark used.
Answer: ISI mark is used for industrial goods.
10. Mention some common ways by which consumers are exploited.
Answer: Some common ways by which consumers get exploited are : underweight and under-measurement, high prices, substandard quality products, adulterated products, misleading and false information, lack of safety devices, artificial scarcity, poor after-sale services, etc.
11. Suppose your parents want to purchase gold jewellery along with you then which logo will you look for on the jewellery?
OR
Which logo helps consumers to get assured quality of jewellery?
Answer: Hallmark
12. How do the logos of BIS Agmark and Hallmark help the consumers?
Answer: They help the consumers in assessing the quality of the product.
13. What is food adulteration?
Answer: Food adulteration refers to the act of adding some impure products which degrades the quality of food.
14. What are consumer courts?
Answer: These are courts which have been established under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 at district, state and national levels for the protection of consumer interests and to redress their grievances in a speedy, simple and inexpensive way.
15. What is redressal?
Answer: Redressal means payment of compensation by producer to consumer to make up loss or injury.
16. If any damage is done to a consumer by a trader, under which consumer right one can move to consumer court to get compensation?
Answer: Right to seek redressal.
17. If you are not interested to buy a brush with toothpaste but shopkeeper denied to sell toothpaste only. In this case which consumer right is being violated by the seller?
Answer: Right to choose.
18. How do 'Consumer Protection Councils' help consumers? Explain three ways.
OR
What are the main functions of Consumer Protection Councils?
Answer: Consumer Protection Councils are formed by a group of people working as a social force. It does not have legal status.
Consumer Protection Councils help consumers in the following ways :
(i) They guide consumers on how to file cases in the consumer court.
(ii) On many occasions, they also represent individual consumer in the consumer courts.
(iii) They also create awareness among the consumers.
19. Why are rules and regulations required in the marketplace? Illustrate with a few examples.
OR
Describe the conditions in which markets do not work in a fair manner.
Answer: Many times markets do not work in a fair manner.
- To protect the consumers rule and regulation are resumed at market.
- Traders/seller indulge in unfair trade practices such as weighing less, charging high price, sale of adulterated or defective product.
- At times, companies provide false information.
20. Why was Consumer Protection Act enacted by the Indian Parliament?
Answer: Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was enacted because of the following reasons :
(i) Many unfair trade practises were being adopted by the seller. And also there was no legal protection of the product sold to them. So it becomes the responsibility of the government to protect the right of the consumers.
(ii) In case of any dispute between the seller and the buyers, there must be someone to listen.
21. What is the maximum limit of amount in cases that are filed at District, State and National level consumer courts?
OR
Describe the provisions made under Consumer Protection Act, 1986, (COPRA) for redressal of consumer disputes.
OR
How many types of courts for consumer protection have been set up in India?
Answer: Under COPRA, a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery was set up for solving consumer disputes, as given below :
District level court - upto ₹1 crore
State level court - more than ₹1 crore but less than ₹10 crore.
National level court - above ₹10 crore.
If a case is dismissed in district level court, the consumer can also appeal in state and then national level courts.
22. Match the following :
(i) Availing details in ingredients of a product
(ii) Agmark
(iii) Accident due to faulty engine in a scooter.
(iv) District Consumer Court
(v) Consumers International
(vi) Bureau of Indian Standards
(a) Right to safety
(b) Dealing with consumer cases
(c) Certification of edible oil and cereals
(d) Agency that develops standards for goods and services
(e) Right to Information
(f) Global level institution of consumer welfare organisations
Answer:
(i) Availing details in ingredients of product — (e) Right to Information
(ii) Agmark — (c) Certification of edible oil and cereals
(iii) Accident due to 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 organisation
(vi) Bureau of Indian Standards — (d) Agency that develops standards for goods and services
23. Say True or False.
(i) COPRA applies only to goods.
(ii) India is one of the many countries in the world which has exclusive courts for consumer redressal.
(iii) When a consumer feels that he has been exploited, he must file a case in the District Consumer Court.
(iv) It is worthwhile to move to consumer courts only if the damages incurred are of high value.
(v) Hallmark is the certification maintained for standardisation of jewellery.
(vi) The consumer redressal process is very simple and quick.
(vii) A consumer has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of the damage.
Answer: (i) False (ii) True (iii) True (iv) False (v) True (vi) False (vii) True
24. What is the need of Conusumer movement?
Answer: The main objective of Consumer movement is to safeguard the interests of the consumer from the mal practices of business community such as imposing high prices, supplying low quality products, creating an artificial shortage.
25. Why is consumer awareness important?
Answer: Consumer awareness is important for empowering individuals to make informed purchasing decisions, demanding high-quality products, and holding businesses accountable for ethical and transparent practices.
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Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
Who is defined as a consumer according to the provided text?
Answer
A person or group, such as a household, who are the final users of goods or services.
Question
In what role do individuals participate in the market when they work in sectors like agriculture or industry?
Answer
Producers.
Question
Why is consumer protection particularly needed in India regarding the organisation of consumers?
Answer
Consumers are widely dispersed and unorganised, leaving them at the mercy of powerful, organised businessmen.
Question
Term: Spurious goods
Answer
Definition: Duplicate products in the market that are difficult for an ordinary consumer to distinguish from genuine items.
Question
How does 'Deceptive advertising' exploit consumers?
Answer
By providing misleading information about the quality, safety, and utility of products.
Question
What is the term for a situation where a consumer is cheated or given false information by a producer?
Answer
Consumer exploitation.
Question
How does 'Underweight and Undermeasurement' manifest as consumer exploitation?
Answer
Goods sold in the market are not weighed or measured correctly.
Question
Give an example of exploitation through 'Substandard Quality' in the home appliance sector.
Answer
The supply of defective home appliances to consumers.
Question
What is 'Artificial Scarcity'?
Answer
Unscrupulous traders hoarding goods to create a shortage and later selling them at higher prices.
Question
In the context of food items, what causes heavy monetary loss and health risks through impurity?
Answer
Adulteration.
Question
What common adulterant is added to milk to increase its volume?
Answer
Water or wheat flour.
Question
How are large companies able to manipulate the market to cheat consumers?
Answer
By spending huge amounts on advertisements to provide misleading or false information.
Question
How does 'Lack of Information' in a free market economy lead to consumer exploitation?
Answer
Consumers make wrong decisions and lose money when full details on price, quality, and composition are unavailable.
Question
What is the effect of 'Limited Competition' on consumers?
Answer
A single producer or group can restrict supplies and manipulate both prices and availability.
Question
Define 'Consumer Awareness'.
Answer
The knowledge of consumers regarding their rights and duties, or their consciousness towards protection.
Question
What refers to the organised efforts of consumers to raise their voices for better products and services?
Answer
Consumer movement.
Question
When was the term 'consumerism' first coined in the Indian context?
Answer
Mid-1960s.
Question
Which social force is designed to protect consumer interest by organised pressure on business?
Answer
Consumerism.
Question
On which date is National Consumer Day celebrated in India every year?
Answer
24th December.
Question
Which legislation was enacted in 1986 to protect consumer rights in India?
Answer
Consumer Protection Act (COPRA).
Question
How did the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 expand the definition of a consumer?
Answer
It included those who buy goods or avail services through e-commerce transactions and online modes.
Question
What is the name of the multimedia awareness campaign launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs in 2005?
Answer
Jago Grahak Jago.
Question
What are the '5 R's' of consumption taught in consumer education?
Answer
Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle.
Question
In the '5 R's' of consumption, what does 'Refuse' specifically encourage?
Answer
Not buying unnecessary goods and services, such as choosing cloth bags over polybags.
Question
Concept: Consumer Rights
Answer
Definition: Legal rights given to consumers to protect them against wrong practices of sellers, including safety and fair pricing.
Question
Which right entitles a consumer to receive compensation if they suffer damage from unfair trade practices?
Answer
Right to Seek Redressal.
Question
The right to be protected against marketing of goods which are hazardous to life is the _____.
Answer
Right to Safety
Question
Which consumer right is violated if a shopkeeper forces you to buy a specific brand of toothpaste alongside a toothbrush?
Answer
Right to Choose.
Question
What is the significance of the RTI Act (2005) for Indian citizens?
Answer
It ensures citizens can access all information about the functioning of government departments.
Question
Who is known as the 'Father of Consumer Movement'?
Answer
Ralph Nader.
Question
When did the United Nations adopt guidelines for nations to establish consumer protection measures?
Answer
1985.
Question
Which consumer right allows an individual to represent their case in consumer courts without necessarily hiring a lawyer?
Answer
Right to be Heard.
Question
What is the primary objective of the 'Right to Education' for consumers?
Answer
To enable consumers to acquire knowledge and skills to be informed and make wise choices.
Question
How is 'Food Adulteration' defined in the text?
Answer
The act of adding chemical or inferior substances to food that degrades its quality and nutritional value.
Question
What harmful substance is sometimes mixed with chilli powder?
Answer
Brick powder.
Question
What specific health risks are associated with consuming mineral oils added to food items?
Answer
Paralysis or cancer.
Question
When did the Consumer Protection Act (COPRA) come into effect in India?
Answer
July 1, 1987.
Question
What are the three levels of the quasi-judicial machinery established under COPRA for redressal?
Answer
District, State, and National levels.
Question
What is the monetary claim limit for cases filed in the District Commission?
Answer
Up to ₹1 crore.
Question
What is the monetary claim range for cases filed in the State Commission?
Answer
Between ₹1 crore and ₹10 crore.
Question
Within how many days are consumer courts required to dispose of each complaint?
Answer
90 days.
Question
How many days does a consumer have to file an appeal against an order of the National Commission to the Supreme Court?
Answer
Within 30 days.
Question
What is the function of 'Consumer Protection Councils'?
Answer
To guide consumers on filing cases, represent individuals in court, and create awareness.
Question
Which administrative measure in India distributes essential commodities like foodgrains to the poor?
Answer
Public Distribution System (PDS).
Question
Which agency is responsible for procuring foodgrains for the Public Distribution System (PDS)?
Answer
Food Corporation of India (FCI).
Question
What is the role of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)?
Answer
Laying down standards for industrial and consumer goods and certifying them with the ISI mark.
Question
Which mark is used to certify the quality of agricultural products like honey, ghee, and spices?
Answer
AGMARK.
Question
What does the 'FSSAI' mark signify on a product label?
Answer
Quality certification for packaged food products by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
Question
Which standard mark should a consumer look for when purchasing gold jewellery?
Answer
Hallmark.
Question
Where is the head office of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) located?
Answer
Geneva.
Question
List one primary duty of a consumer regarding product quality.
Answer
Buying products with standardisation marks like ISI, Hallmark, or FSSAI.
Question
Why is it considered a consumer's duty to ask for a receipt (cash memo) upon purchase?
Answer
It serves as proof of purchase and can be used in the consumer's favour if an inconvenience occurs later.
Question
What is a consumer's duty regarding environmental responsibility?
Answer
To be careful with their consumption so that it does not harm the environment or natural resources.
Question
In standardisation, what does the 'ISI' mark certify?
Answer
Industrial goods.
Question
What is the monetary limit for claims handled by the National Consumer Commission?
Answer
Exceeding ₹10 crore.
Question
Which agency is responsible for running the AGMARK scheme in India?
Answer
Directorate of Marketing and Intelligence (DMI).
Question
Cloze: Consumer's consciousness towards his/her rights and duties is known as _____.
Answer
consumer awareness
Question
What was the general historical belief regarding consumers before the growth of commercialisation?
Answer
Leave the consumer to himself (the consumer is the best judge of his own interests).
Question
How does 'Artificial Scarcity' benefit unscrupulous traders?
Answer
By allowing them to sell hoarded goods later at much higher prices to earn more profit.
Question
What is the result of adding 'vanaspati' to pure ghee?
Answer
Adulteration/Impurity.