Chapter 5 Consumer Rights NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Economics

by | Sep 30, 2022 | General | 0 comments

 

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Economics Chapter 5 Consumer Rights- Important Questions 

 

Given in this post is NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Economics Chapter 5 Consumer Rights. The important questions we have compiled will help the students to brush up on their knowledge about the subject. Students can practice Class 10 Social Science important questions to understand the subject better and improve their performance in the board exam. The NCERT solutions provided here will also give students an idea about how to write the answers.

 

 

MCQ Based Questions

 

Q1 Which of the following statements are true about consumer movement? 

A The consumer movement arose out of dissatisfaction of the consumers as many unfair practices were being indulged in by the sellers.

B There was no legal system available to consumers to protect them from exploitation in the marketplace.

C This has also shifted the responsibility of ensuring the quality of goods and services on the buyers.

D Only A and B

 

Ans D Only A and B

 

Q2 The Consumer Movement started rising in India as a social force due to ___________.

A rampant food shortages

B unethical and unfair trade practices

C adulteration of food and edible oil

D All of the above

 

Ans D All of the above

 

Q3 The Consumer Movement started rising in India in an organised form in the _________. 

A 1960s 

B 1950s 

C 1980s 

D 1990s

 

Ans A 1960s

 

Q4 Till the __________, consumer organisations were largely engaged in writing articles and holding exhibitions. 

A 1990s 

B 1950s 

C 1960s 

D 1970s

 

Ans D 1970s

 

Q5 In 1985 the ____________ adopted the Guidelines for Consumer Protection. This was a tool for nations to adopt measures to protect consumers and for consumer advocacy groups.

A World Trade Organisation

B United Nations

C World Economic Forum

D None of the above

 

Ans B United Nations

 

Q6 Today, Consumers International has become an umbrella body to over 220 member organisations from over __________ countries. 

A 85 

B 105 

C 115

D 50

 

Ans C 115 

 

Q7 A major step taken by the Indian Government was the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act ___________, popularly known as COPRA. 

A 1991 

B 1999 

C 1984 

D 1986

 

Ans D 1986

 

Q8 Rules have been made so that the manufacturer displays this information, it is because consumers have the _________ about the particulars of goods and services that they purchase. 

A right to be informed

B right to equality

C right to choice

D None of the above

 

Ans A right to be informed

 

Q9 In ________, the Government of India enacted a law, popularly known as RTI (Right to Information) Act.

A June 2010

B August 2004

C September 2006

D October 2005

 

Ans D October 2005

 

Q10 Any consumer who receives a service in whatever capacity, regardless of age, gender and nature of service, has the ___________ whether to continue to receive the service. 

A right to choose

B right to reject

C right to accept

D None of the above

 

Ans A right to choose

 

Q11 Consumers have the __________ against unfair trade practices and exploitation. 

A right to reject

B right to information

C right to choose

D right to seek redressal

 

Ans D right to seek redressal

 

Q12 Which of the following statements are true? 

A The consumer movement in India has led to the formation of various organisations locally known as consumer forums or consumer protection councils.

B They guide consumers on how to file cases in the consumer court.

C They do not represent individual consumers in the consumer courts.

D Only A and B

 

Ans D Only A and B

 

Q13 Under COPRA, a ________ quasi-judicial machinery was set up for redressal of consumer disputes. 

A three-tier

B one-tier

C two-tier

D four-tier

 

Ans A three-tier

 

Q14 The district level court deals with consumer disputes cases involving claims up to ________. 

A Rs 20 lakhs

B Rs 50 lakhs

C Rs 70 lakhs

D None of the above

 

Ans A Rs 20 lakhs

 

Q15 India has been observing __________ as the ‘National Consumers’ Day. 

A December 24th 

B November 24th

C May 24th

D April 24th

 

Ans A December 24th

 

Q16 Under COPRA, a three-tier quasi judicial machinery was set up at the ________, ________, and _________ levels for redressal of consumer disputes. 

A district, state, national

B village, district, state

C village, municipality, state

D None of the above

 

Ans A district, state, national

 

Q17 For consumer disputes the state level courts deal with cases involving claims between Rs 20 lakhs and ___________. 

A Rs 75 lakhs

B Rs 50 lakhs

C Rs 2 crores

D Rs 1 crore

 

Ans D Rs 1 crore

 

Q18 It was on 24th December that the Indian Parliament enacted the __________in 1986. 

A NREGA Act

B Right to Information Act

C Consumer Protection Act

D None of the above

 

Ans C Consumer Protection Act

 

Q19 The national level court deals with consumer dispute cases involving claims exceeding ___________. 

A Rs 1 Crore

B Rs 75 Lakhs

C Rs 2 Crores

D None of the above

 

Ans A Rs 1 Crore

 

Q20 ___________, Agmark or Hallmark logos and certification help consumers get assured of quality while purchasing the goods and services.

A GI

B SII 

C IGI 

D ISI

 

Ans D ISI

 

Q21 COPRA applies only to goods. State True or False. (NCERT QUESTION)

A True 

B False

 

Ans B False

 

Q22 India is one of the many countries in the world which has exclusive courts for consumer redressal. State True or False. (NCERT QUESTION)

A True 

B False

 

Ans A True

 

Q23 When a consumer feels that he has been exploited, he must file a case in the District Consumer Court. State True or False. (NCERT QUESTION)

A True 

B False

 

Ans A True

 

Q24 It is worthwhile to move to consumer courts only if the damages incurred are of high value. State True or False. (NCERT QUESTION)

A True 

B False

 

Ans A True

 

Q25 Hallmark is the certification maintained for standardisation of jewellery. State True or False. (NCERT QUESTION)

A True 

B False

 

Ans A True

 

Q26 The consumer redressal process is very simple and quick. State True or False. (NCERT QUESTION)

A True 

B False

 

Ans B False

 

Q27 A consumer has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of the damage. State True or False. (NCERT QUESTION)

A True 

B False

 

Ans A True
 

 
 

1 MARK QUESTIONS

 

Q1 Suppose you buy a bottle of honey and a biscuit packet. Which logo or mark you have to look for and why? (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Ans We should look for ‘Agmark symbol’ before buying the food items because this mark is certified by the government and assures the quality of the product.

 

Q2 Suppose you buy a bag of cement for the purpose of repair work in your house, which logo or mark will you look for? (CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2018-19)

 

Ans ISI

 

Q3 Who are Producers?

 

Ans People who make goods and provide services are called producers. As producers of goods and services, we could be working in any of the sectors such as agriculture, industry or services.

 

Q4 Who are Consumers?

 

Ans Consumers participate in the market when they purchase goods and services that they need. These are final goods that people as consumers use.

 

Q5 What is the need for rules and regulations in the market?

 

Ans Rules and regulations are needed to protect workers in the unorganised sector or protect people from high interest rates charged by moneylenders in the informal sector or for protecting a consumer in the market.

 

Q6 Why do individual consumers often find themselves in a weak position?

 

Ans Whenever there is a complaint regarding a good or service that they had bought, the seller tries to shift all the responsibility on to the buyer.

 

Q7 How can large companies with huge wealth and power manipulate the market?

 

Ans At times, false information is given through media, and other sources to attract consumers. Such big companies with huge wealth and power can manipulate the market.

 

Q8 Give an example to prove how big companies can manipulate the market with wealth and power.

 

Ans A long battle had to be fought with court to make cigarette-manufacturing companies accept that their product could cause cancer.

 

Q9 Why did consumer movement arise in India?

 

Ans Consumer movement arose out of the dissatisfaction of the consumers as many unfair practices were being indulged in by the sellers.

 

Q10 Who does the standardisation of products at National level?

 

Ans Standardisation of products is done at the national level by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986. ISI, AGMARK, Hallmark are well known, certification marks for national standardisation.

 

Q11 Name two certification marks for international standardisation.

 

Ans Standardisation of product is done at the international level. ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 are the well known certification marks for international standardisation.

 

Q12 Which logo will you like to see on the electric heater to be sure of its quality? Which quality logo would you like to see on the electric goods to be sure about their quality? (CBSE 2016) (CBSE 2017)

 

Ans ISI.

 

Q13 Initially what was done by consumers to protect themselves from exploitation?

 

Ans Initially when a consumer was not happy with a particular brand, product or shop, he or she generally avoided buying that brand product, or would stop purchasing from that shop.

 

Q14 Why did the consumer movement begin as a social force in India?

 

Ans In India, the consumer movement as a ‘social force’ originated with the necessity of protecting and promoting the interests of consumers against unethical and unfair trade practices.

 

Q15 What was the status of the consumer movement in the 1960s?

 

Ans Rampant food shortages, hoarding, black marketing, adulteration of food and edible oil gave birth to consumer movement in an organised form in the 1960s.

 

Q16 What efforts were done in the 1970s by consumer groups?

 

Ans Until the 1970s, consumer organisations were largely engaged in writing articles and holding exhibitions. They formed consumer groups to look into the malpractices in ration shops and overcrowding in the road passenger transport.

 

Q17 What is COPRA?

 

Ans A major step taken in 1986 by the Indian government was the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, popularly known as COPRA to protect consumer’s interests.

 

Q18 When and why was ‘Consumer International’ adopted?

 

Ans In 1985, United Nations adopted the UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection. This was a tool for nations to adopt measures to protect consumers’ advocacy groups to press their governments to do so.

 

Q19 What is the status of Consumer International today?

 

Ans Today, Consumer International has become an umbrella body of over 250 member organisations from 120 countries.

 

Q20 Give any one example of a consumer’s ‘right to choose’. (CBSE 2017)

 

Ans If a person wants to buy toothpaste and the shop owner says that she can sell the toothpaste only if the customer buys a toothbrush. If you are not interested in buying the brush, you have the right to deny.

 

Q21 Why should Right to Safety be practised by the consumers?

 

Ans While using many goods and services, we as consumers have the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and delivery of services that are hazardous to life and property.

 

Q22 Why do producers need to strictly follow the required safety rules and regulations?

 

Ans There are many goods and services that we purchase that require special attention to safety. For example, pressure cookers have a safety valve which, if defective, can cause a serious accident. The manufacturers of the safety valve have to ensure high quality.

 

Q23 What information is needed on the packaged food?

 

Ans This information is about ingredients used, price, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date and address of the manufacturer.

 

Q24 What information is needed on the packed medicines?

 

Ans When we buy medicines, on the packed medicines, we must find directions for proper use, information related to its side effects, risks associated with usage of that medicine, manufacturing date and expiry date.

 

Q25 Give an example of a catchy advertisement to attract consumers. (CBSE 2017)

 

Ans “Win a Gold Coin inside a pack”

 

Q26 What special instructions are needed on the garments?

 

Ans When we buy garments, information on the instruction of washing or dry cleaning should be there.

 

Q27 Why does the manufacturer need to display information for the consumers?

 

Ans It is because consumers have the right to be informed about the particulars of goods and services: that they purchase. Consumers then complain and ask for compensation or replacement if the product is proven to be defective in any manner.

 

Q28 If you want to extract information about the functions of any government department, which right would you exercise? (CBSE 2017)

 

Ans  RTI Act (Right to Information Act).

 

Q29 Give one example why the right to information is needed by a consumer in the market.

 

Ans If we buy a product and find it defective well within the expiry period, we can ask for a replacement. If the expiry period was not printed, the manufacturer would blame the shopkeeper and will not accept the responsibility.

 

Q30 What is MRP?

 

Ans MRP is Maximum Retail Price.

 

Q31 How does MRP help a consumer?

 

Ans One can protest and complain if someone sells goods at more than the printed price on the packet. In fact, consumers can bargain with the seller to sell at less than the MRP. 

 

Q32 Give an example to tell how your ‘Right to choice’ is denied?

 

Ans Suppose you want to buy a toothpaste, and the shop owner says that she can sell the toothpaste only if you buy a toothbrush. Your right to choice is denied.

 

Q33 What are ‘Consumer Forums’?

 

Ans Consumer forum: It’s a VCO (Voluntary Consumer Organisation) for consumers to keep them aware of their rights, responsibilities and how to raise their grievances.

 

Q34  What is the role of Consumer Forums?

 

Ans They guide consumers on how to file cases in the consumer courts. On many occasions, they also represent individual consumers in the consumer courts.

 

Q35 What is a three tier quasi-judicial machinery at various levels?

 

Ans At District Level: District Consumer Redressal Forum. 

At State Level: State Consumer Redressal Commission.

At National Level: National Consumer Redressal Commission.

 

Q36 If you are not interested in buying a brush with tooth-paste but the shopkeeper denied to sell tooth-paste only. In this case which consumer right is being violated by the seller? (CBSE 2016)

 

Ans Right to choose.

 

Q37 What are the claim limits of the consumer court cases?

 

Ans (i) District level court: Upto 20 lakh.

(ii) State level court: Between 20 lakh and 1 crore.

(iii) National level court: Deals with the cases involving claims exceeding 1 crore.

 

Q38 Suppose you want to purchase a Television from market, then which logo of quality should have been marked on the Television?

 

Ans Logo of Quality is ISI.

 

Q39 Which companies are given these standardisation logos? (CBSE 2017)

 

Ans The organisations that monitor and issue these certificates allow producers to use their logos provided they follow certain quality standards.

 

Q40 For which products are these logos of standardisation mandatory?

 

Ans For some products that affect the health and safety of consumers or of products of mass consumption like LPG cylinders, food colours and additives, cement, packaged drinking water, it is mandatory on the part of the producers to get certified by these organisations.

 

Q41 Which day is observed as National Consumers day in India?

 

Ans India has been observing 24th December as the ‘National Consumers Day’.

 

Q42 Why has 24th December been selected to celebrate National Consumer Day in India?

 

Ans It was on this day that the Indian Parliament enacted the Consumer Protection Act in 1986.

 

Q43 How many organised groups are working for the Consumer Movement in India? (CBSE 2017)

 

Ans Today, there are more than 700 consumer groups in the country of which only about 20-25 are well organised and recognised for their work.

 

Q44 If any damage is done to a consumer by a trader, under which consumer right one can move to consumer court to get compensation. (CBSE 2016)

 

Ans If any damage is done to a consumer by a trader, the consumer can move to the court and get compensation under- Right to seek redressal.

 

Q45 Why do you think that the consumer redressal process is becoming cumbersome, expensive and time consuming?

 

Ans Many a time, consumers are required to engage lawyers. These cases require time for filing and attending the court proceedings, etc.

 

Q46 Reema bought a pack of brown bread later she realized that it was expired. Which right does she have to counter this problem? (CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2017)

 

Ans Right to Seek Redressal

 

Q47 What is COPRA? When was it introduced? (CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2016)

 

Ans Consumer Protection Act is popularly known as COPRA. It was introduced by the Government of India in 1986.

 

Q48 Suppose you have to buy a packed bottle for drinking water or an electric air conditioner in your journey. Which logo will you like to see to be sure about its quality? (CBSE 2016) (CBSE 2017)

 

Ans The logo: ISI/Indian Standard Institutions
 

 
 

Assertion-reason based questions:

 

Q1 Assertion (A): Ford Motors is an MNC. 

Reason (R): It is one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers with production spread over 26 countries.

Options: 

A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. 

C A is true but R is false. 

D A is false but R is true.

 

Ans A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

 

Q2 Assertion (A): MNCs can exert a strong influence on product at distant locations 

Reason (R): MNCs set up partnership with local companies, use local companies for supplies, compete with local companies or buy them.

Options: 

A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. 

C A is true but R is false. 

D A is false but R is true.

 

Ans A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

 

Q3 Assertion (A): Online shopping has become popular among people. 

Reason (R): It destroyed the domestic market.

Options: 

A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. 

C A is true but R is false. 

D A is false but R is true.

 

Ans A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

 

Q4 Assertion (A): Foreign trade and foreign investment are two main factors of Globalisation. 

Reason (R): They are not playing any role in the international market.

Options: 

A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. 

C A is true but R is false. 

D A is false but R is true.

 

Ans C A is true but R is false.

 

Q5 Assertion (A): An MNC is a company that owns or controls production in more than one nation. 

Reason (R): They set up their offices and factories for production in regions where they can get cheap labour and other resources.

Options: 

A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. 

C A is true but R is false. 

D A is false but R is true.

 

Ans A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

 

Q6 Assertion (A): Globalisation is related to only two countries. 

Reason (R): MNC s play a major role in globalization.

Options: 

A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. 

C A is true but R is false. 

D A is false but R is true.

 

Ans D A is false but R is true.

 

Q7 Assertion (A): People are attracted towards Chinese products. 

Reason (R): They are cheaper and new designed.

Options: 

A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. 

C A is true but R is false. 

D A is false but R is true.

 

Ans A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

 

Q8 Assertion (A): Globalisation leads to increased competition in the international and domestic market. 

Reason (R): Globalisation also makes the consumer better off as they have a wider variety of goods to choose at lower prices.

Options: 

A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. 

C A is true but R is false. 

D A is false but R is true.

 

Ans A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

 

Q9 Assertion (A): Investment made by MNCs is called foreign investment.

Reason (R): They need land, buildings ,machines and other equipments from that nation.

Options: 

A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. 

C A is true but R is false. 

D A is false but R is true.

 

Ans A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

 

Q10 Assertion (A): Rapid improvement in technology has been one major factor that has stimulated the globalization process. 

Reason (R): Developing countries are likely to become at par with developed countries in terms of technological development due to globalization.

Options: 

A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. 

B Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. 

C A is true but R is false. 

D A is false but R is true.

 

Ans A Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
 

 
 

Fill in the blanks in the following:

 

Q1 Availing details of ingredients of a product refers to _________________. (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Ans Right to information

 

Q2 Certification of edible oils and cereals is given by ________________. (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Ans Agmark

 

Q3 District Consumer Court deals with ________________. (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Ans Consumer cases

 

Q4 Global level institution of consumer welfare organisation is _______________. (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Ans Consumers International

 

Q5 _____________ is an agency that develops standards for goods and services. (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Ans Bureau of Indian Standards

 

Q6 If you want to extract information about the functions of any government department, you can exercise _______________.

 

Ans Right to Information

 

Q7 Rampant food shortages, hoarding, black marketing, adulteration of food and edible oil gave birth to _______________ in an organised form in the 1960s.

 

Ans consumer movement

 

Q8 ______________ are organisations for consumers to keep them aware of their rights, responsibilities and how to raise their grievances

 

Ans Consumer forums

 

Q9 India has been observing ________________ as the ‘National Consumers Day’

 

Ans 24th December

 

Q10 If any damage is done to a consumer by a trader, the consumer can move to the court and get compensation under- ______________.

 

Ans  Right to seek redressal
 

 
 

2 MARK QUESTIONS

 

Q1 Explain the need for consumer consciousness by giving two examples. (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Ans Consumer Consciousness is being aware of your right as a consumer while buying any goods or services.

Example:

  1. It is common to see consumers bargaining with sellers for additional discounts below the MRP.
  2. Because of conscious consumers, most of the sweet shops do not include the weight of the container when they weigh sweets.

 

Q2 What is the rationale behind the enactment of Consumer Protection Act 1986? (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Ans 1. The rationale behind the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 is to protect the consumer against unethical and unfair trade practices. 

  1. It set up a separate department of consumer affairs in Central and State governments and it has enabled us as consumers to have the right to represent in a consumer court.

 

Q3 Why do we need rules and regulations that would promote development?

 

Ans (i) These could be for the protection of workers in the unorganised sector.

(ii) These are needed to protect people from high interest rates charged by moneylenders. 

(iii) Rules and regulations are also required for protecting the environment.

(iv) Similarly, rules and regulations are required for the protection of the consumers in the marketplace.

 

Q4 Describe any three duties of a consumer in the market. (CBSE 2017)

 

Ans (i) To be careful while buying a commodity or service.

(ii) Always look for the direction for proper use and information relating to the risk associated with commodities.

(iii) Needs to be well informed.

(iv) Should be aware of his rights (Right to Information).

 

Q5 Who are producers and consumers?

 

Ans We participate in the market, both as producers and consumers.

(i) As producers of goods and services, we could be working in any of the sectors like primary, secondary or tertiary.

(ii) Consumers participate in the market when they purchase goods and services that they need. These are the final goods that people as consumers use.

 

Q6 How has the ‘Right to Information’ been expanded to cover various services provided by the government? 

 

Ans 1. In October 2005, the government of India enacted a law, popularly known as RTI or Right to Information Act, which ensures its citizens all the information about the functions of government departments.

  1. The effect of the RTI Act can be understood by taking up the following example.

An engineering graduate applied for a government job and submitted all his certificates. But officials did not inform him of the status of his selection. He, therefore, filed an application using the RTI Act, saying that it was his right to know the result, so that he could plan his future. He soon got his call letter for an appointment.

 

Q7 What is consumer awareness?

 

Ans 1. Consumer awareness means educating the consumer about his rights and duties. 

  1. As a result of consumer education, consumers become familiar with the laws that protect his interests and restrict his exploitation.

 

 
 

3 MARK QUESTIONS

 

Q1 Why are rules and regulations required in the marketplace? Illustrate with a few examples. (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Ans 1. Rules and regulations are required in the marketplace to protect consumers. 

  1. Seller often renounces responsibility for a low-quality product, cheat in weighing out goods, add extra charges over the retail prices, and sell defective goods. 
  2. Therefore, to protect the scattered buyer from powerful and fewer producers who monopolise markets, rules and regulations are needed. For example, a grocery shop owner might sell expired products, and then blame the customer for not checking the date of expiry before buying the items.

 

Q2 Mention a few factors which cause exploitation of consumers. (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Ans The factors which cause exploitation of consumers are as follows:

  1. Producers are always looking for easy profits. Adulterated or low-quality goods have less production costs, and if the consumer is unaware or illiterate, it becomes easier to cheat him/her.
  2. Also, shopkeepers brush off their responsibility by claiming that the manufacturer is to be blamed. Consumers feel helpless in this situation. 
  3. Often when the consumers are known not to check the retail price of a commodity on its packing, sellers add extra charges to the same. In places where there is no awareness of consumer rights and the COPRA, consumer exploitation is rampant.

 

Q3 Describe some of your duties as consumers if you visit a shopping complex in your locality. (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Ans Some of my duties as a consumer are: 

  1. To check the expiry date of the product I wish to purchase and to pay only the maximum retail price printed on the goods. 
  2. Preventing shopkeepers from duping me with defective products.
  3. Registering a complaint with a consumer forum or court in case a seller refuses to take responsibility for an adulterated or flawed product.

 

Q4 What legal measures were taken by the government to empower the consumers in India? (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Ans 1. One of the most important measures taken by the government was COPRA in 1986.

  1. In October 2005, the Right to Information Act was passed, ensuring citizens all information about the functioning of government departments.
  2. Also under COPRA, a consumer can appeal in state and national courts, even if his case has been dismissed at the district level.

Thus, consumers even have the right to represent them in consumer court now.

 

Q5 Mention some of the rights of consumers and write a few sentences on each. (NCERT QUESTION)

OR

Describe any three rights of the consumer which can help him/her against unfair trade practices and exploitation. (CBSE 2017)

 

Ans Some of the rights of consumers are as follows:

  1. Right to Choice: Any consumer who receives a service in whatever capacity, regardless of age, gender and nature of service, has the right to choose whether to continue to receive that service or not. Under this right, a consumer may also choose any one of the various brands of a product available in the market.
  2. Right to represent: The act has enabled us as consumers to have the right to represent in the consumer court.
  3. Right to redressal: Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation.

 

Q6 By what means can the consumers express their solidarity? (NCERT QUESTION)

OR

“Consumer movement can be effective only with the consumer’s active involvement.” Keeping the statement in mind, highlight the ways through which consumers can express their solidarity. (CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2018-19)

 

Ans 1. By forming groups that write articles or hold exhibitions against trader’s exploitation.

  1. These groups guide individuals on how to approach a consumer court and they even fight cases for consumers.
  2. Such groups receive financial aid from the government to create public awareness.

 

Q7 What are standardisation logos?

 

Ans Following are the standardisation logos.

(i) ISI mark: For industrial products. Certifies that a product conforms to a set of standards laid by the bureau of Indian Standards.

(ii) FPO mark: A mandatory mark for all processed fruit products in India. Certifies that the product was manufactured in a hygienic ‘food-safe’ environment.

(iii) Agmark for all agricultural products. 

(iv) The Non Polluting Vehicle mark on motor vehicles certifying conformity to the Bharat Stage emission standards.

(v) BIS hallmark: Certifies the purity of gold jewellery.

 

Q8 How do you exercise the right to seek redressal?

 

Ans (i) Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation. 

(ii) If any damage is done to a consumer, he or she has the right to get compensation, depending on the degree of damage.

(iii) There is a need to provide an easy and effective public system by which this can be done.

Example: Prakash had sent a money order to his village for his daughter’s marriage. The money did not reach his daughter at the time when she needed it, nor did it reach months later. So, Prakash filed a case in the district level consumer court and practised right to seek redressal.

 

Q9 What is the judicial structure of consumer disputes in India?

 

Ans Under COPRA, a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery at the district, state and national levels was set up for redressal of consumer disputes. 

(i) District level courts: They deal with cases involving claims upto 20 lakh.

(ii) State level courts: They deal with cases involving claims between 20 lakh to 1 crore.

(iii) National level courts: They deal with cases which are exceeding 1 crore.

If a case is dismissed in the district level court, the consumer can also appeal at the state and then at the national level court.

 

Q10 What is information needed on the packed goods?

 

Ans (i) On the packed goods, details of ingredients used, price, batch number, date of manufacture, expiry date and address of manufacturer is needed. 

(ii) On the packets of medicines, we must get ‘directions for proper use’ and information relating to side effects, its expiry date and risks associated with usage of that medicine..

(iii) When we buy garments, we must find information on ‘instructions for washing’.

 

Q11 What is the role of consumer forums? 

 

Ans The consumer movement in India has led to the formation of various organisations known as ‘Consumer Forums’ or ‘Consumer Protection Councils.

  1. They guide consumers on how to file cases in the consumer court.
  2. On many occasions, they also represent individual consumers in the consumer courts.
  3. These voluntary organisations also receive financial support from the government for creating awareness among the people.

 

Q12 Who can file a complaint? What is the procedure?

 

Ans (1) Individual Consumer.

(2) Consumer Organisations/Registered Voluntary Consumer Associations.

(3) Resident Welfare Associations (RWAS).

(4) The Central Government or any State Government.

There is no court fee for filing a complaint in consumer court. The consumer has to file a simple registration form and can even plead his case on his own. The claim up to 20 lakh is filed with the district forum. If a consumer is not satisfied with the decision of the district forum, then he can make an appeal to the state commission. If the consumer is not satisfied with the decision of the state commission then he can make an appeal to the National Commission located in New Delhi. The National Commission is the apex body in this regard.

 

Q13 What is the need for consumer awareness?

 

Ans 1. Consumers are exploited in many ways. Consumers are scattered, unorganised and many of them are illiterate. The traders, moneylenders, service-providers exploit the consumers in many ways. 

  1. Sellers try to shift the responsibility of product/service on the buyer. They plea that the buyer should be aware when he buys the goods. It is the responsibility of the buyer to check the goods while purchasing them. 
  2. The need for consumer protection and satisfaction has been widely accepted all over the world. All this has resulted in the need for creating consumer awareness in India also.

 

Q14 What factors led to the beginning of the ‘Consumer Movement’ in India?

OR

Analyse any three reasons for the beginning of the consumer movement in India. (CBSE 2017)

 

Ans (i) The consumer movement arose out of dissatisfaction of the consumers as many unfair practices were being indulged in by sellers.

(ii) There was no legal system available to consumers to protect themselves from exploitation in the marketplace.

(iii) It was presumed that it was the responsibility of the consumers to be careful while buying a commodity or service considering that sellers are indulged in many unfair practices.

(iv) It took many years for organisations in India and around the world to create awareness amongst people. 

(v) This has also shifted the responsibility of ensuring the quality of goods and services onto the sellers.

 

Q15 Write a short note on ISI and AGMARK.

 

Ans 1. ISI: Indian Standards Institute.

  1. AGMARK: ‘AG’ is for agriculture and ‘Mark’ is for certification mark. Agmark: Food Products.
  2. ISI: Electrical Appliances and Industrial products. 
  3. These are provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). They are a guarantee of the good quality of a product. 
  4. These marks generate trust among the consumers regarding the good quality of a commodity.

 

Q16 “Consumer awareness is essential to avoid exploitation in the marketplace.” Support the statement. (CBSE 2016)

 

Ans 1. Consumer awareness to avoid exploitation: Consumer awareness is essential to avoid exploitation in the marketplace. Markets do not work in a fair manner.

  1. Exploitation happens in various ways. Therefore, awareness is essential. Certain details are given on the packing. When we buy medicines, the packet’s details are marked. Rules have been made so that the manufacturer displays the information. 
  2. Consumers can complain and ask for compensation or replacement of the product, if it proves to be defective in any manner.

 

Q17 “Rules and regulations are required for the protection of the consumers in the marketplace.” Justify the statement with arguments. (CBSE (AI) 2016)

 

Ans Rules and regulations are required for the protection of the consumers in the marketplace:

  1. Individual consumers often find themselves in a weak position whenever there is a complaint regarding a good or service that had been bought, the seller tries to shift all the responsibility on to the buyer. 
  2. Exploitation in the marketplace happens in various ways. For example, Sometimes the traders indulge in unfair trade practices such as when shopkeepers weigh less than what they should or when traders add changes that were not mentioned before or when adulterated or defective goods are sold.
  3. At times false information is passed on through the media to attract consumers.

 

Q18 How are consumers exploited in the marketplace? Explain. (CBSE 2016) (CBSE 2017)

 

Ans Consumers are exploited in the marketplace in following ways:

  1. Weigh less than what they should. Absence of expiry date on products. 
  2. Traders add charges that were not mentioned before. Rough behaviour of shopkeepers.
  3. Traders sell adulterated or defective goods and sometimes false information is passed through the media and other sources to attract consumers.

 

Q19 “The consumer movement arose out of dissatisfaction of the consumers”. Justify the statement with arguments.

 

Ans “The Consumer movement arose out of dissatisfaction of the consumers”: 

  1. As many unfair practices were being indulged in by the sellers.
  2. There was no legal system available to the consumers to protect them from exploitation in the marketplace.
  3. In India, the consumer movement as a “Social Force” originated with the necessity of protecting and promoting the interest of consumers against unethical and unfair trade practices.
  4. Rampant Food shortage, hoardings black marketing, adulteration of food and edible oil gave birth to the consumer movement in an organized form in the 1960s.

 

Q20 Write a note on Consumers International.

 

Ans 1. In 1985, United Nations adopted the guidelines for consumer protection. 

  1. This was a tool for nations to adopt measures to protect consumers and for consumer advocacy groups to press their governments to do so.
  2. At the international level, this has become the foundation for the consumer movement. 
  3. Today, Consumers International has become an umbrella body of over 250 member organisations in 120 countries, in which India is one of them.

 

Q21 How can ‘Right to Safety’ be practised?

 

Ans (i) While using many goods and services, we as consumers, have the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and delivery of services that are hazardous to life and property. 

(ii) Producers need to strictly follow the required safety rules and regulations. 

(iii) There are many goods and services that we purchase that require special attention to safety. For example, pressure cookers have a safety valve which, defective, can cause a serious accident. The manufacturers of the safety valve have to ensure high quality. We also need public or government action to see that this quality is maintained.

 

Q22 How can a consumer exercise his right to choice?

 

Ans 1. Any consumer who receives a service in whatever capacity, regardless of age, gender and nature of service, has the right to choose, whether to continue to receive the service or not.

  1. For example, suppose you want to buy a shampoo and the shop owner says that he can sell the shampoo only if you buy a body wash. If you are not interested in buying the bodywash your right to choice is denied.
  2. So many times you are forced to buy things that you may not wish to as you are left with no choice. But every consumer in a capitalist company has the right to exercise his right to choice.

 

 
 

4 MARK QUESTIONS

 

Q1 Read the given paragraph and answer the following questions:

 

Reji Mathew, a healthy boy studying in Class IX was admitted to a private clinic in Kerala for removal of tonsils. An ENT surgeon performed the tonsillectomy operation under general anesthesia. As a result of improper anesthesia, Reji showed symptoms of some brain abnormalities because of which he was crippled for life. His father filed a complaint in the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission claiming compensation of Rs 5,00,000 for medical negligence and deficiency in service. The State Commission, saying that the evidence was not sufficient, dismissed it. Reji’s father appealed again in the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission located in New Delhi. The National Commission after looking into the complaint, held the hospital responsible for medical negligence and directed it to pay the compensation.

 

  1. Consumers have the __________ against unfair trade practices and exploitation. 

A right to reject

B right to information

C right to choose

D right to seek redressal

 

Ans D right to seek redressal

 

  1. The district level court deals with consumer disputes cases involving claims up to ________. 

A Rs 20 lakhs

B Rs 50 lakhs

C Rs 70 lakhs

D None of the above

 

Ans A Rs 20 lakhs

 

  1. For consumer disputes the state level courts deal with cases involving claims between Rs 20 lakhs and ___________. 

A Rs 75 lakhs

B Rs 50 lakhs

C Rs 2 crores

D Rs 1 crore

 

Ans D Rs 1 crore

 

  1. What is a three tier quasi-judicial machinery at various levels?

 

Ans At District Level: District Consumer Redressal Forum. 

At State Level: State Consumer Redressal Commission.

At National Level: National Consumer Redressal Commission.

 

Q2 Read the given paragraph and answer the following questions:

 

Abirami, a student of Ansari Nagar, joined a two year course at a local coaching institute for professional courses in New Delhi. At the time of joining the course, she paid the fees Rs 61,020 as lumpsum for the entire course of two years. However, she decided to opt out of the course at the end of one year as she found that the quality of teaching was not up to the mark. When she asked for a refund of the fee for one year, it was denied to her. When she filed the case in the District Consumer Court, the Court directed the Institute to refund Rs 28,000 saying that she had the right to choose. The Institute again appealed in the State Consumer Commission. The State Commission upheld the district court’s direction and further fined the institute Rs 25,000 for a frivolous appeal. It also directed the institute to pay Rs 7000 as compensation and litigation cost. The State Commission also restrained all the educational and professional institutions in the state from charging fees from students for the entire duration of the course in advance and that too at one go. Any violation of this order may invite penalties and imprisonment, the commission said.

 

  1. ______________ are organisations for consumers to keep them aware of their rights, responsibilities and how to raise their grievances.

 

Ans Consumer forums

 

  1. The district level court deals with consumer disputes cases involving claims up to ________. 

A Rs 20 lakhs

B Rs 50 lakhs

C Rs 70 lakhs

D None of the above

 

Ans A Rs 20 lakhs

 

  1. For consumer disputes the state level courts deal with cases involving claims between Rs 20 lakhs and ___________. 

A Rs 75 lakhs

B Rs 50 lakhs

C Rs 2 crores

D Rs 1 crore

 

Ans D Rs 1 crore

 

  1. What is a three tier quasi-judicial machinery at various levels?

 

Ans At District Level: District Consumer Redressal Forum. 

At State Level: State Consumer Redressal Commission.

At National Level: National Consumer Redressal Commission.

 

 
 

5 MARK QUESTIONS

 

Q1 What factors gave birth to the consumer movement in India? Trace its evolution. (NCERT QUESTION) 

 

Ans  There are many factors that led to the consumer movement in India. 

  1. It began as a ‘social force’ with the need to protect and promote consumer interests against unfair and unethical trade practices.
  2. Extreme food shortages, hoarding, black marketing and adulteration of food led to the consumer movement becoming an organised arena in the 1960s.
  3. Till the 1970s, consumer organisations were mostly busy writing articles and holding exhibitions.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

 

Q2 Critically examine the progress of consumer movement in India. (NCERT QUESTION)

 

Ans 1. There has been a significant change in consumer awareness in the country in the past 30 years. 

  1. Before the enactment of COPRA in 1986, the consumer movement did not bear much force, but ever since its implementation, the movement has made some progress in terms of numbers of organised groups and their activities. 
  2. The consumer courts have been set up and there have been an addition of consumer groups. Thus, in contemporary India, the consumer redressal process is quite complicated, expensive and time-consuming. 
  3. Filing cases, attending court proceedings, hiring lawyers, and other procedures make the process cumbersome. There are over 700 consumer groups in India. 
  4. Unfortunately, out of which only about 20-25 are well organised and functioning smoothly.

 

Q3 Why are rules and regulations needed in the market? Explain with examples. (CBSE 2017)

 

Ans Need for rules and regulations:

  1. Individual consumers often find themselves in a weak position. Whenever there is a complaint regarding a good or service that had been bought, the seller tries to shift all the responsibility on to the buyer.
  2. Sometimes traders indulge in unfair trade practices, such as when shopkeepers weigh less than what they should.
  3. Markets do not work in a fair manner when producers are few and powerful. A long battle had to be fought with court cases to make cigarette manufacturing companies accept that their product could cause cancer.
  4. Large companies with huge wealth, power and reach can manipulate the market in various ways. At times false information is passed on through the media and other sources to attract consumers.
  5. Consumers are also exploited when buyers purchase in small amounts and are scattered. For example, a company for years sold powdered milk for babies all over the world as the most scientific product claiming this to be better than mother’s milk. It took years of struggle before the company was forced to accept that it had been making false claims.

 

Q4 How does a consumer exercise his right to be informed?

 

Ans 1. Manufacturers display the required information on the goods or medicines we purchase, because consumers have the right to be informed.

  1. Consumers can then complain and ask for compensation or replacement, if the product proves to be defective in any manner.
  2. For example, if we buy a product and find it defective well within the expiry period, we ask for a replacement. If the expiry period is not printed, the manufacturer would blame the shopkeeper and will not accept the responsibility.
  3. One can protest and complain if someone sells goods at more than the printed price on the packet. This is indicated by the Maximum Retail Price (MRP). In fact, customers can bargain with the seller to sell at less than the MRP. 
  4. In October 2005, the government of India enacted a law known as RTI or the Right to functions of Information Act, which ensures its citizens all the information about the government departments.

 

Q5 What problems do we face in taking the consumer movement forward?

 

Ans The problems do we face in taking the consumer movement forward are:

  1. The consumer redressal process is becoming cumbersome, expensive and time consuming. 
  2. Many times, consumers are required to engage a lawyer.
  3. These cases require time for filing and attending the court proceedings, etc.
  4. In most purchases, cash memos are not issued, hence, evidence is not easy to gather.
  5. Moreover, most purchases in the market are small retail sales. 
  6. The existing laws also are not very clear on the issue of compensation to consumers injured by defective products.
  7. After 32 years of the enactment of COPRA, consumer awareness in India is spreading but slowly. 
  8. Besides this, the enforcement of laws that protect workers, especially in the unorganised sector is weak.
  9. Rules and regulations for the functioning of markets are often not followed.

 

Q6 Trace the evolution of the consumer movement in India.

 

Ans The evolution of the consumer movement in India:

  1. In India, the consumer movement as a ‘social force’ began with the necessity of protecting and promoting the interests of consumers against unfair trade practices. 
  2. Rampant food shortages, hoarding, black marketing, adulteration of food and edible oil gave birth to the consumer movement in an organised form in the 1960s.
  3. Until the 1970s, consumer organisations were largely engaged in writing articles and holding exhibitions. 
  4. They formed consumer groups to look into the malpractices in ration shops and overcrowding in the road passenger transport.
  5. Because of these efforts, the movement succeeded in bringing pressure on business firms, as well as the government to correct business conduct.
  6. A major step taken in 1986 by the Indian government, was the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, popularly known as COPRA. 
  7. They formed consumer groups to look into the malpractices in ration shops and overcrowding in the road passages transport.
  8. More recently, India witnessed an upsurge in the number of consumer groups.

 

Q7 Why are quality measurements used?

 

Ans The quality measurements are used to satisfy a consumer.

  1. While buying many commodities, there is a logo with letters like ISI, AGMARK or Hallmark.
  2. These logos and codification help consumers get assured of quality while purchasing the goods and services.
  3. The organisations that monitor and issue these certificates allow producers to use their logos provided they follow certain quality standards. 
  4. Though these organisations develop quality standards for many products, it is not compulsory for all the producers to follow standards. 
  5. However, for some products that affect the health and safety of consumers or of products of mass consumption like LPG cylinders, food colours, additives, cement, packaged drinking water, it is mandatory on the part of the producers to get their products certified by these organisations.

 

Q8 COPRA has enabled the consumers to have the right to represent in the consumer courts Explain how it benefits the consumers. (CBSE SAMPLE PAPER 2016)

 

Ans 1. Under COPRA, a three-tier quasi-judicial machinery at the district, state and national levels was set up for redressal of consumer disputes. 

  1. The district level court deals with the cases involving claims upto 20 lakhs, the state level courts between 20 lakhs and 1 crore and the national level court deals with cases involving claims exceeding 1 crore.
  2. If a case is dismissed in district level court, the consumer can also appeal in state and then in National level courts. 
  3. Thus, the Act has enabled us as consumers to have the right to represent in the consumer courts. It strengthened the Consumer Movement and provided the consumers with the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation.
  4. If any damage is done to a consumer, she has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of damage.

 

Q9 Identify the factors which encourage the traders to adopt unfair practices. How is consumer exploited? 

OR

What are the forms of consumer exploitation?

 

Ans When a consumer in the market place is forced to buy a product or sold for higher price or not returned if defective or sold defective product, he is supposed to be exploited.

Consumer is exploited in the following ways:

  1. Deceptive Advertising: In some cases, the advertisers speak very highly of their product by giving exaggerated statements. Taking these advertisements to be true, the consumer is tempted to buy these goods. But on actual use, he finds that he has been deceived. For example: An advertisement for washing powder claims that a spoon-full of powder can wash a full bucket of clothes. On actual use, it was found that it could wash only one or two clothes; this advertisement was held deceptive. 
  2. Unreasonable Prices: Sometimes sellers charge a price higher than the maximum retail price (MRP). Traders create artificial scarcity of essential goods by hoarding them. Later, these goods are sold at higher prices, thus leading to consumer’s exploitation.
  3. Adulteration: Adulteration of goods are sometimes dangerous to life or hazardous to health. For example, mixing animal fat with ghee.
  4. Poor Quality Products: There are a large number of deaths and injuries on account of sub standard and unsafe domestic products like pressure cookers, electrical gadgets, etc. 
  5. Deceptive Packing: Sometimes manufacturers use almost similar brand names with minor changes in the spelling of a reputed brand, but the appearance of the wrapper is kept almost the same so as to give the impression that the product is of reputed brand. 
  6. Underweight Supplies: Some manufacturers sell certain products in packings where actual quantity is less than the quantity written on these packages. For example, each LPG cylinder must contain 14.2 kg of gas but sometimes underweight cylinders are supplied to the consumers.
  7. Deficiency in Service: Due to this, consumers suffer a lot. For example, (i) Undue delay by the courier services. (ii) Wrong billing by the electricity and telephone department. (ii) Undue delay in settling insurance accident claims. 
  8. Negligence in Service: In newspapers, some cases of negligence in service are reported. For example, (i) By an oversight, the wrong leg of a patient was amputated by a surgeon. (ii) About 2 dozen persons were operated on in a hospital and they lost their eyesight as a result of infection that spread in the operation theatre.

 

Q10 “Consumer movement can be effective only with the consumer’s active involvement.” Analyse the statement. (CBSE 2017)

 

Ans 1. The consumer movement is generally a result of dissatisfaction of consumers over unfair practices in a market place.

  1. It is true that consumer movement can be effective only with the consumer’s active involvement. 
  2. Consumers are the kings in the marketplace, therefore they should exercise their consumer rights. 
  3. Whenever a consumer buys any product or services, must be careful before buying, so that he may not be befooled by the producers and shopkeepers.
  4. Consumer should exercise his rights and duties diligently. He should insist on buying a standardised product looking at his own safety.
  5. If a consumer is conscious or aware, he should convey this message to others so that this consumer movement may be made more effective.
  6. For example in the 1960, there were food shortages and black marketing and adulteration of food. This resulted in strong consumer movement.

 

Q11 How should a consumer become a well-informed consumer?

 

Ans A consumer can become a well-informed consumer by:

  1. When we as consumers become conscious of our rights while purchasing various goods and services, we will be able to discriminate and make informed choices.
  2. This calls for acquiring the knowledge skill to become a well-informed consumer.
  3. We should become conscious of our rights.
  4. The enactment of COPRA has led to the setting up of separate departments of consumer affairs in central and state governments. 
  5. There are posters in the cities or states, through which the government spreads information about legal processes which people can use.

 

Q12 Who is an ideal consumer?

 

Ans An ideal consumer is the one who has the following qualities/attributes: 

  1. Updates his knowledge of consumer’s rights and duties.
  2. Has an eco-friendly attitude..
  3. Prevents corruption rather than being a party to it.
  4. Buys only those goods and services which he needs, so that wasteful and demonstrative consumption is avoided.
  5. Cares for health and hygiene in his selection and use of goods and services.
  6. Prefers to use such products which can be recycled and which are biodegradable.
  7. Makes purchases only from authorized retailers/shopkeepers.
  8. Conscious of standardisation marks like ISO, ISI, AGMARK, Hallmark, etc.
  9. Procures and preserves cash memo and warranty card.

 

 

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