Page 3 - Lesson Note 2

(ix) Form consumer societies which would play an active part in educating consumers and
safeguarding their interests.
(x) Respect the environment. Avoid waste, littering and contributing to pollution.
A consumers’ awareness about his rights and responsibilities is just one of the ways in which the
objective of consumer protection can be achieved. There are other ways in which this objective
may be achieved.
WAYS AND MEANS OF CONSUMER PROTECTION

There are various ways in which the objective of consumer protection can be achieved.

1. Self Regulation by Business: Enlightened business firms realise that it is in their long-term
interest to serve the customers well. Socially responsible fir ms follow ethical standards and
practices in dealing with their customers. Many firms have set up their customer service and
grievance cells to redress the problems and grievances of their consumers.

2. Business Associations: The associations of trade, commerce and business like Federation of
Indian Chambers of Commerce of India (FICCI) and Confederation of Indian Industries (CII)
have laid down their code of conduct which lay down for their members the guidelines in their
dealings with the customers.

3. Consumer Awareness: A consumer, who is well informed about his rights and the reliefs
available to him, would be in a position to raise his voice against any unfair trade practices or
unscrupulous exploitation. In addition to this, an understanding of his responsibilities would also
enable a consumer to safeguard his interests.

4. Consumer Organisations: Consumer organisations play an important role in educating
consumers about their rights and providing protection to them. These organisations can force
business firms to avoid malpractices and exploitation of consumers.

5. Government: The government can protect the interests of the consumers by enacting various
legislations. The legal framework in India encompasses various legislations which provide
protection to consumers. The most important of these regulations is the Consumer Protection
Act, 1986. The Act provides for a three-tier machinery at the district, state and national levels for
redressal of consumer grievances. The redressal mechanism under this three-tier machinery has
been explained hereunder.