National Consumer Day 2024: Date, Theme, Significance

The National Consumer Day 2024 celebration is to be chaired by Shri Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi on December 24, 2024. This day marks the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 in India, which laid the foundation for safeguarding consumer interests against unfair trade practices.

National Consumer Day 2024

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National Consumer Day Theme 2024

Initiatives to Be Launched on National Consumer Day 2024

1. Safety Pledge by Major e-Commerce Companies : 13 major e-commerce companies will sign a pledge to ensure consumer safety and adopt fair practices in their operations.
2. Launch of 'Jago Grahak Jago App' : A mobile application aimed at educating consumers about their rights and providing an easy platform to file complaints.
3. Launch of 'Jagriti App' and 'Jagriti Dashboard' : Tools designed to empower consumers by alerting them to deceptive practices like dark patterns and tracking complaint resolution efficiently.
4. Launch of ‘e-Mapp’ Portal : A portal offering comprehensive Legal Metrology Services , streamlining services related to weights, measures, and packaging regulations.
5. AI-Enabled National Consumer Helpline 2.0 : An advanced helpline powered by artificial intelligence to provide real-time assistance and improved grievance redressal for consumers.
6. BIS SMART Standards Initiative : The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will transition to SMART Standards by 2025, promoting simpler, modern, adaptable, and transparent consumer safety benchmarks.

Consumer Rights in India

1. Right to security: Consumers have the right to be protected against goods and services that are hazardous to health or life.
2. Right to Information : Consumers have the right to be given accurate information about the product or service they purchase, including ingredients, usage instructions, and risks.
3. Right to choose: Consumers should have access to a variety of products and services at competitive prices.
4. Right to have a say: Consumers have the right to express their grievances and complaints.
5. Right to grievance and redressal: If a consumer is harmed or exploited, they have the right to seek compensation.
6. Right to education of consumer rights: Consumers should be educated about their rights and responsibilities in the marketplace.

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Consumer Protection Laws in India

• Consumer Protection Act, 1986: This act provides for the establishment of consumer councils and other authorities for the settlement of consumer disputes.
• Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Modernised the earlier 1986 Act, introducing provisions for e-commerce, product liability, mediation, and the establishment of a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).
• Legal Metrology Act, 2009: This law regulates the measurement standards for goods sold in India.
• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 : This act ensures food safety and regulates food products.

Consumer Disputes Redressal Agencies in India

• District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum (DCDRF): Handles complaints involving amounts up to ₹50 lakhs.
• State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC): Deals with complaints exceeding ₹50 lakhs but less than ₹2 crore.
• National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) : Addresses complaints involving amounts exceeding ₹2 crore.
• Central Consumer Protection Authority: Established in April 2020 under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, to safeguard consumers' rights and interests in India.

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Significance of National Consumer Day 2024

• Awareness Building: National Consumer Day helps in spreading awareness about consumer rights, especially in rural areas where access to information may be limited.
• Empowering Consumers: It empowers consumers by educating them about their rights and helping them make informed decisions when purchasing goods and services.
• Promoting Fair Business Practices: By celebrating this day, businesses are reminded of their ethical responsibilities towards consumers, encouraging them to adopt fair practices.
• Improving Consumer Protection: The day emphasizes the need to strengthen the consumer protection mechanism in India, advocating for continuous improvements in laws and dispute resolution mechanisms.