NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Economics Chapter 5 Consumer Rights

The solutions for Chapter 5 Consumer Rights are provided below, and students can refer to NCERT Solutions for Class 10 for other subjects as well.

Exercise Pages No 87- 88

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 ensure fair competition, protect consumers, maintain order, and promote economic stability. Without regulations, market participants may engage in unethical or harmful practices that undermine trust and confidence in the market. Few examples illustrating the necessity of rules and regulations are:

1. Consumer Protection: Regulations such as product safety standards, labeling requirements, and consumer rights laws protect consumers from fraudulent or unsafe products. For instance, food safety regulations ensure that food products meet certain quality and hygiene standards before they are sold to consumers.
2. Competition Policy: Antitrust laws and competition regulations prevent monopolistic practices, price-fixing, and anti-competitive behavior that could harm consumers and restrict market access for smaller businesses. For example, authorities may intervene to prevent mergers or acquisitions that would create monopolies or reduce competition in a particular industry.
3. Labor Standards: Workplace regulations, including minimum wage laws, occupational health and safety standards, and labor rights protections, ensure fair treatment of workers and promote decent working conditions. For instance, labor laws may mandate safe working environments, limit working hours, and protect workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively.

2. What factors gave birth to the consumer movement in India? Trace its evolution.

Answer:

The consumer movement in India emerged in response to various factors, such as:

1. Market Exploitation: In the pre-independence era, consumers faced exploitation by traders, merchants, and manufacturers who engaged in unfair trade practices, adulteration, and hoarding of essential commodities. This exploitation continued even after independence, prompting consumer discontent.
2. Lack of Awareness: Consumers lacked awareness about their rights and the quality of products they purchased. They were unaware of their rights regarding defective goods, unfair pricing, or misleading advertising.
3. Rise of Mass Media: The proliferation of mass media, including newspapers, magazines, radio, and television, played a crucial role in disseminating information and raising awareness about consumer issues. Media reports highlighting cases of consumer exploitation helped galvanize public opinion.
4. Global Influences: The global consumer movement, particularly in Western countries, influenced the Indian consumer movement. International events such as World Consumer Rights Day and the establishment of consumer advocacy groups abroad inspired similar initiatives in India.
5. Legal Framework: The enactment of consumer protection laws, such as the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Act in 1969 and the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) in 1986, provided a legal framework for addressing consumer grievances and holding businesses accountable for unfair trade practices.
6. Formation of Consumer Organizations: Various consumer organizations and NGOs, such as Consumer Guidance Society of India (CGSI), Common Cause, and Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS), emerged to champion consumer rights and advocate for consumer-friendly policies.
7. Government Initiatives: The government’s recognition of the importance of consumer protection led to the establishment of regulatory bodies like the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Consumer Protection Councils at the central and state levels.
8. Judicial Activism: Judicial interventions through landmark judgments in consumer cases, such as the famous “Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan” case on sexual harassment at the workplace, contributed to the evolution of consumer rights jurisprudence in India.

3. Explain the need for consumer consciousness by giving two examples.

Answer:

Consumer consciousness is important as it empowers individuals to make informed choices, demand quality products and services, and hold businesses accountable for their actions. The two examples illustrating the need for consumer consciousness are:

1. Medicine Safety: Consumers need to be conscious of the authenticity and quality of medicines they purchase. Counterfeit drugs or substandard medications can have serious health consequences. By checking for proper labeling, expiry dates, and purchasing from licensed pharmacies, consumers can protect themselves from health risks.
2. Online Privacy: In the digital age, consumers must be conscious of their online privacy and security. Sharing personal information on unsecured websites or falling for phishing scams can lead to identity theft or financial fraud. By using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links, and being cautious about sharing sensitive information online, consumers can safeguard their privacy and prevent cybercrime.

4. Mention a few factors which cause exploitation of consumers.

Answer:

Several factors contribute to the exploitation of consumers in the marketplace, these are:

1. Information asymmetry: Sellers possessing more information exploit consumers’ lack of knowledge.
2. Monopoly power: Dominant sellers can set unfair prices due to lack of competition.
3. Unethical practices: Deceptive marketing and false advertising manipulate consumers.
4. Complexity of products: Consumers struggle to assess value, leading to exploitation.
5. Weak consumer protection laws: Inadequate regulations allow businesses to exploit consumers.
6. Cultural and social pressures: Peer influences or social norms drive unnecessary purchases.
7. Financial vulnerability: Financially strained consumers are targeted with exploitative lending practices.

5. What is the rationale behind the enactment of Consumer Protection Act 1986?

Answer:

The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was enacted with the primary objective of protecting the interests of consumers and providing them with effective mechanisms for redressal of grievances. The rationale behind its enactment includes:

1. Addressing Market Imperfections: The Act aims to rectify market failures and address imbalances in the buyer-seller relationship by empowering consumers to assert their rights and seek recourse for unfair trade practices.
2. Ensuring Consumer Welfare: It seeks to safeguard the welfare and well-being of consumers by providing them with legal remedies against deceptive, unfair, or exploitative business practices that compromise their interests.
3. Promoting Fair Competition: By prohibiting unfair trade practices, misleading advertisements, and monopolistic activities, the Act promotes a competitive marketplace where businesses compete based on quality, price, and service rather than deceptive tactics.
4. Enhancing Consumer Awareness: The Act promotes consumer education and awareness initiatives to empower individuals with knowledge about their rights, responsibilities, and avenues for seeking redressal in case of grievances.
5. Establishing Redressal Mechanisms: It establishes consumer courts and forums at various levels (District, State, and National) to provide accessible, speedy, and inexpensive adjudication of consumer disputes, thereby ensuring timely resolution of grievances.
6. Encouraging Product Quality and Safety: By holding manufacturers, sellers, and service providers accountable for the quality and safety of their products/services, the Act incentivizes businesses to maintain high standards and prioritize consumer satisfaction.
7. Promoting Public Interest Litigation (PIL): The Act facilitates PILs or class-action suits on behalf of consumers, allowing collective action against widespread consumer grievances, thereby amplifying the impact of consumer activism and advocacy.

6. Describe some of your duties as consumers if you visit a shopping complex in your locality.

Answer:

As a consumer visiting a shopping complex in my locality, some of my duties include:

1. Research and Comparison: Before making purchases, I should research products/services, compare prices, and assess quality to make informed decisions.
2. Check Labels and Expiry Dates: I must inspect product labels for information on ingredients, nutritional values, and manufacturing dates, ensuring I purchase safe and genuine products.
3. Verify Prices and Discounts: It’s important to verify prices, check for discounts or promotional offers, and ensure transparency in pricing to avoid overpaying for products.
4. Examine Product Quality: I should examine product quality, functionality, and durability, checking for any defects or damages before making a purchase.
5. Understand Return and Exchange Policies: Familiarizing myself with the shopping complex’s return and exchange policies helps in case I need to return or exchange a product due to dissatisfaction or defects.
6. Respect Employees and Fellow Shoppers: I should treat employees and fellow shoppers with respect, adhere to store policies, and maintain decorum while navigating the shopping complex.
7. Report Issues or Concerns: If I encounter any issues such as misleading advertisements, poor customer service, or defective products, I should report them to store management or consumer protection authorities for resolution.
8. Conserve Resources: Being mindful of resource usage, I should avoid wasteful practices such as excessive packaging, unnecessary energy consumption, or littering within the shopping complex.
9. Protect Personal Information: When making transactions or providing personal information, I should ensure data privacy and security, safeguarding against identity theft or fraudulent activities.
10. Exercise Consumer Rights: Lastly, I should be aware of my consumer rights, including the right to information, choice, safety, and redressal, and assert them if necessary to ensure fair treatment and satisfaction as a consumer.

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 purchasing a bottle of honey and a biscuit packet, I would look for the following logos or marks:

1. FSSAI Logo: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) logo ensures that the honey and biscuits comply with safety and quality standards set by the regulatory authority. It indicates that the products have been tested and approved for consumption, assuring their safety and quality.
2. Agmark Logo: The Agmark logo, particularly relevant for honey, signifies that the product meets the standards established by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). It assures consumers of the purity and authenticity of the honey, indicating compliance with specific quality parameters.
3. ISO Certification: While not mandatory, products bearing ISO certification demonstrate adherence to international quality management standards. ISO certification adds credibility to the product’s quality, manufacturing processes, and safety standards, enhancing consumer confidence.

By looking for these logos or marks, consumers can make informed choices, ensuring that the honey and biscuits they purchase meet safety, quality, and authenticity standards set by regulatory authorities and industry benchmarks.

8. What legal measures were taken by the government to empower the consumers in India?

Answer:

The government of India has implemented several legal measures to empower consumers and protect their rights. Some of these measures include:

1. Consumer Protection Act (1986): The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) establishes consumer rights and provides a legal framework for addressing consumer grievances. It mandates the establishment of consumer courts and forums at various levels to adjudicate disputes and redress consumer complaints efficiently.
2. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act (1986): The BIS Act aims to ensure product quality and safety by establishing standards for goods and services. It authorizes the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to certify products, issue quality marks, and enforce compliance with standards through testing and inspection.
3. Legal Metrology Act (2009): The Legal Metrology Act regulates weights, measures, and packaging of goods to prevent fraud and ensure accuracy in transactions. It mandates the use of standardized units of measurement, regulates labeling requirements, and prohibits unfair trade practices related to weights and measures.
4. Food Safety and Standards Act (2006): The Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food products to ensure food safety and hygiene. It establishes the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to enforce food safety standards and regulate food businesses.
5. Competition Act (2002): The Competition Act promotes fair competition and prevents anti-competitive practices in the marketplace. It prohibits monopolistic behavior, unfair trade practices, and abuse of dominance by businesses, thereby safeguarding consumer interests and promoting market efficiency.
6. Consumer Protection Rules (2020): In 2020, the government introduced new Consumer Protection Rules to strengthen consumer rights and streamline dispute resolution mechanisms. These rules enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in consumer protection efforts.

9. Mention some of the rights of consumers and write a few sentences on each.

Answer:

Consumers have several rights that are essential for protecting their interests and ensuring fair treatment in the marketplace. Some of these rights include:

1. Right to Safety: Consumers should expect products/services to be safe for use.
2. Right to Information: Consumers have access to transparent product/service information.
3. Right to Choose: Consumers can select from a variety of options available in the market.
4. Right to Redressal: Consumers can seek compensation for faulty products/services.
5. Right to Representation: Consumers can form associations to advocate for their interests.
6. Right to Education: Consumers have access to education about their rights and responsibilities.
7. Right to Healthy Environment: Consumers deserve products/services produced sustainably, minimizing environmental harm.

10. By what means can the consumers express their solidarity?

Answer:

Consumers can express solidarity and advocate for their collective interests through various means, including:

1. Joining Consumer Organizations: Consumers can become members of consumer rights organizations, associations, or unions to collectively address issues, share information, and amplify their voices.
2. Participating in Consumer Activism: Consumers can participate in consumer activism campaigns, protests, or boycotts to raise awareness about unfair practices, advocate for policy changes, and hold businesses accountable for unethical behavior.
3. Using Social Media: Consumers can use social media platforms to share experiences, highlight grievances, and mobilize support for consumer rights causes.
4. Signing Petitions: Consumers can sign online petitions or participate in signature drives to petition governments, regulatory authorities, or businesses for policy reforms, stricter regulations, or corporate accountability.
5. Seeking Legal Recourse: Consumers can seek legal recourse through consumer courts, forums, or class-action lawsuits to address grievances, seek compensation for damages, or hold businesses accountable for violations of consumer rights.
6. Supporting Ethical Businesses: Consumers can support businesses that adhere to ethical practices, prioritize consumer welfare, and demonstrate corporate social responsibility.
7. Educating Others: Consumers can educate friends, family members, and communities about their rights, responsibilities, and available recourse mechanisms. By spreading awareness, consumers empower others to make informed choices and advocate for their interests effectively.
8. Engaging with Policy-makers: Consumers can engage with policymakers, legislators, and government officials to advocate for consumer-friendly policies, stronger regulations, and enforcement mechanisms to protect consumer rights and ensure a fair marketplace.

11. Critically examine the progress of consumer movement in India.

Answer:

The progress of the consumer movement in India can be examined critically through various lenses:

• Awareness and Empowerment: Increased awareness about consumer rights has empowered consumers to demand better products and services.
• Legislative Reforms: The Consumer Protection Act of 1986 established a legal framework, but implementation and enforcement remain challenges.
• Role of Consumer Organizations: Consumer groups advocate for policy changes but face constraints like limited resources and government support.
• Corporate Accountability: Consumer pressure has led to improved corporate responsibility, yet issues like misleading advertisements persist.
• Digital Transformation: Digital platforms offer convenience but also present new challenges such as data privacy and cybersecurity risks.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Infrastructure constraints, resource limitations, and rural outreach are challenges, while technology offers opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

While the consumer movement in India has made significant strides in raising awareness, advocating for policy reforms, and empowering consumers, there are still challenges to overcome in ensuring effective implementation, corporate accountability, and inclusivity.

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 faulty engine in a scooter (c) Certification of edible oil and cereals

(iv) District Consumer Commission (d) Agency that develop standards for goods and services

(v) Food fortification (e) Right to information

(vi) Consumers International (f) Global level institution of consumer welfare organisations

(vii) Bureau of Indian Standards (g) Addition of key nutrients to staple foods

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 faulty engine in a scooter (a) Right to safety

(iv) District Consumer Commission (b) Dealing with consumer cases

(v) Food fortification (g) Addition of key nutrients to staple foods

(vi) Consumers International (f) Global level institution of consumer welfare organisations

(vii) Bureau of Indian Standards (d) Agency that develop standards for goods and services

13. Say True or False.

(i) COPRA applies only to goods.

(ii) India is one of the many countries in the world which has exclusive authorities established for consumer disputes redressal.

(iii) When a consumer feels that he has been exploited, he must file a case in the District Consumer Commission.

(iv) It is worthwhile to move to consumer commissions 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) True

(ii) False

(iii) False

(iv) False

(v) True

(vi) False

(vii) True

NCERT Solutions For Class 10 Economics Chapter 5 Consumer Rights– This article includes free NCERT Solutions For Class 10 Economics Chapter 5 Consumer Rights to help students of Class 10 learn the solutions and ace their exams.

It has been developed by the subject matter experts at GFG, according to the latest CBSE Syllabus 2023-24, and guidelines to help the students of Class 10 create a solid conceptual base for Class 10 Economics Chapter 5 Consumer Rights.

The solutions to all the exercises in Class 10 Economics Chapter 5 Consumer Rights of your NCERT textbook have been collectively covered in NCERT Solutions Class 10 Social Science.