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Consumer Rights Important Questions Class 10 Social Science Economics

Consumer Rights Important Questions Class 10 Social Science Economics

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. By which name was the BIS earlier known as?

Answer

BIS was earlier known as the Indian Standards Institution.


Question 2. Write down the advantages of public distribution system.

Answer

The public distribution system is very helpful preventing hoarding, black-marketing, overcharging. In addition to all these it also ensures food security to the poor.


Question 3. What information is needed on the packaged food?

Answer

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


Question 4. If you want to extract information about the functions of any government department, which right would you exercise?

Answer

RTI Act (Right to Information Act).


Question 5. What is DM?

Answer

DM stands for the Directorate of Marketing.


Question 6. For what does ISO stand?

Answer

ISO standas for the International Organisation for Standardisation.


Question 7. What is the need of rules and regulations in the market?

Answer

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


Question 8. Give an example to prove how big companies can manipulate market with wealth and power.

Answer

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


Question 9. Describe any four rights of the consumers.

Answer

  1. Right to be informed,
  2. Rights to choose,
  3. Right to seek redressal,
  4. Right to represent.


Question 10. What is meant by Agmark?

Answer

Agmark is implemented under the Agricultural Product Act, 1937. This act was amended in 1986. Agmark is a scheme run by the Directorate of Marketing and Intelligence in the Ministry of Agriculture of the Government of India. Products like honey masala, etc. carry this AGMARK as the sign of purity.


Question 11. Name two certification marks for international standardisation.

Answer

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


Question 12. How does MRP help a consumer?

Answer

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.


Question 13. Name the consumer courts at the district, state and national levels.

Answer

Levels Consumers Courts

  1. District District court
  2. State State Consumer Commission
  3. National consumer commission.


Question 14. Why do you think that the consumer redressal process is becoming cumbersome, expensive and time consuming?

Answer

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


Question 15. What is COPRA?

Answer

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.


Question 16. Which day is observed as National Consumers day in India?

Answer

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


Question 17. Why do individual consumers often find themselves in a weak position?

Answer

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.


Question 18. What was the status of consumer movement in 1960s?

Answer

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


Question 19. Why is it difficult for poor to get loan from Banks?

Answer

Absence of Collateral is one of the major reasons which prevent the poor from getting bank loans.


Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. What are standardisation logos?

Answer

Following are the standardisation logos.

  1. ISI mark: For industrial product. Certifies that a product conforms to a set of standards laid by the bureau of Indian Standards.
  2. FPO mark: A mandatory mark for all processed fruit products in India. Certifies that the product was manufactured in a hygienic ‘food-safe’ environment.
  3. Agmark for all agricultural products.
  4. The Non Polluting Vehicle mark on motor vehicles certifying conformity to the Bharat Stage emission standards.


Question 2. Describe any three duties of a consumer in the market.

Answer

Three duties of a consumer in the market:

  1. To be careful while buying a commodity or service.
  2. Always look for the direction for proper use and information relating to the risk associated with commodity.
  3. Needs to be well informed.
  4. Should be aware of his rights (Right to Information)


Question 3. Write down the functions of Agmark.

Answer

Agmark is implemented under the Agricultural Product Act, 1937. This act was amended in 1986. Agmark is a scheme run by the Directorate of Marketing and Intelligence in the Ministry of Agriculture of the Government of India. Products like honey masala, etc. carry this AGMARK as the sign of purity.


Question 4. “Rules and regulations are required for the protection of the consumers in the market place.” Justify the statement with arguments.

Answer

Rules and regulations are required for the protection of the consumers in the market place.

  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 market place 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 media to attract consumers.


Question 5. Describe any three right of consumer which can help him / her against unfair trade practices and exploitation.

Answer

Rights of consumers

  1. Right to information
  2. Right to seek redressal
  3. Right to choose
  4. Right to be heard
  5. Right to safety
  6. Right to represent
  7. Right to consumer education


Question 6. How has the ‘Right to Information’ been expanded to cover various services provided by the government?

Answer

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.

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 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 appointment.


Question 7. How are consumers exploited in the market place? Explain.

Answer

Consumers are exploited in the market place 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.
  4. False information is passed through the media and other sources to attract consumers.


Question 8. What are the legal formalities for filing a complaint against a trader?

Answer

There is no legal formalities for filing a complaint against a trader or a manufacturer in a consumer court. All one has to do is to write his or her complaint on a plain paper and attach the supporting documents like guarantee or warrantee card and cash memo and one can file this very simple complaint in a consumer court. Also there is no need to take any professional help from a lawyer as one can plead the case by oneself.


Question 9. Analyse any three reasons for the beginning of the consumer movement in India.

Answer

Three reasons for the beginning of the consumer movement in India:

  1. The consumer movement arose out of dissatisfaction of the consumers as many unfair practices were being indulged in by sellers.
  2. There was no legal system available to consumers to protect themselves from exploitation in the marketplace.
  3. 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.
  4. It took many years for organisations in India and around the world to create awareness amongst people.
  5. This has also shifted the responsibility of ensuring the quality of goods and services onto the sellers.


Question 10. “Consumer awareness is essential to avoid exploitation in the market place.” Support the statement.

Answer

Consumer awareness to avoid exploitation: Consumer awareness is essential to avoid exploitation in the market place. Market do not work in a fair manner. Exploitation happen in various ways. Therefore, awareness is essential. Certain details are given on the packing. When we buy medicines, on the packets details are marked. Rules have been made so that the manufacturer displays the information. Consumers can complain and ask for compensation or replacement of the product, if proves to be defective in any manner.


Question 11. What do you know about Codex Alimentarius Commission?

Answer

The Codex Alimentarius Commission was created in 1963. It is an international body for setting international food standards. This commission was actually created by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Health Organisation (WHO). This commission is located in Rome, Italy.


Question 12. Why do we need rules and regulations that would promote development?

Answer

Need of rules and regulations for the promotion of development:

  1. These could be for the protection of workers in the unorganised sector.
  2. These are needed to protect people from high interest rates charged by moneylenders.
  3. Rules and regulations are also required for protecting the environment.
  4. Similarly, rules and regulations are required for the protection of the consumers in the marketplace.


Question 13. What is the judicial structure of consumer disputes in India?

Answer

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

  1. District level courts: They deal with cases involving claims upto ₹ 20 lakh.
  2. State level courts: They deal with cases involving claims between ₹ 20 lakh to ₹ 1 crore.
  3. 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.


Question 14. How can money easily exchange it for goods or services? Give example to explain.

Answer

Money acts easier to exchange for goods and services:

  1. A person holding money can easily exchange it for any commodity or service that he or she might want.
  2. Everyone prefers to receive payments in money and exchange the money for things they want.

For example: A shoemaker wants to sell shoes in the market and buy wheat. The shoemaker will first exchange shoes for money and then exchange the money for wheat. If the shoemaker had to directly exchange shoes for wheat without the use of money. He would have to look for a wheat growing farmer who not only wants to sell wheat but also wants to buy the shoe in exchange. Both the parties have to agree to sell and buy each other’s commodities. This process is very difficult, time consuming and unhealthy.


Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Present a brief sketch on the history of the consumer movement.

Answer

Consumer protection is not a new concept for India as references to the protection of consumer’s interests have also been presented in Kautilya’s Arthashastra Kautilya in his Arthashastra has given a detailed sketch of how consumers interests should be protected against the exploitation by trade and industry, underweight and measurement, adulteration. Punishment for these offences were also made in Kautilya’s Arthashastra.

However in recent era, the modern organised and systematic movement to safeguard the interest of consumers has developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s when the Indian Economy opened up its door for liberalisation and globalisation. At the world level, first consumer movement began in England after the II World War.

However, the modern declaration about the consumer’s rights was first:

  1. Rights of safety: The Consumer Protection Act of 1986 protects the consumers against the marketing of goods and services hazardous to their life and property.
  2. Rights of information: This Act provides the consumer every right of information. It includes quality, quantity potency purity standard and also the price of the goods.
  3. Right to choose: This Act of 1986 provides assurance of access to variety Of goods and services at competitive price. By this act the consumer is assured of satisfactory quality and service at a fair price.
  4. Right to be heard: This Act clearly states that the consumer’s interests should receive due consideration at appropriate forums relating to consumer welfare.
  5. Right to seek redressal: The Act of 1986 provides the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and the exploitation of consumers and rights to fair settlement of grievances. Act also includes the rights to knowledge about goods and issues relating to consumers welfare.


Question 2. COPRA has enabled the consumers to have the right to represent in the consumer courts. Explain how it benefits the consumers.

Answer

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

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.

If a case is dismissed in district level court, the consumer can also appeal in state and then in National level courts. 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. If any damage is done to a consumer, she has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of damage.


Question 3. What are various ways in which a consumer is exploited?

Answer

A consumer is exploited by the traders in various ways, some very common ways of this exploitation are following:

  1. Underweight and under measurements: It is a very common practice by the traders not to weigh and measure the things properly and correctly.
  2. Substandard quality: Many of the times goods sold are substandard quality. For example, selling of expired medicines and supply of deficiency or defective home appliances have generally become the regular grievances of consumers.
  3. High Price: Very often the traders charge a price higher than the prescribed retail price
  4. Duplicate articles: Many times in the name of genuine parts and goods, fake and duplicate items are sold to the consumers.
  5. Adulteration: In costly items like ghee, oil, spices etc. adulteration is very commonly practised to make higher profit in a undue manner. It makes the customers lose their money as well as their health.
  6. Lack of safety devices: Many of the times electrical devices and various electronic goods are sold without proper safeguard.
  7. Unsatisfactory after-sale services: Many of the times suppliers do not provide the satisfactory after-sale services despite proper payments. It creates unnecessary tension to the customers.


Question 4. How can ‘Right to Safety’ be practised?

Answer

Right to Safety can be practised by foloowing:

  1. 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.
  2. Producers need to strictly follow the required safety rules and regulations.
  3. There are many goods and services that we purchase that require special attention to safety.
  4. 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.


Question 5. Who is an ideal consumer?

Answer

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 bio-degradable.
  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.


Question 6. Why are rules and regulations needed in the market? Explain with examples.

Answer

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 has been bought, the seller tries to shift all the responsibility onto the buyer.
  2. Sometimes traders indulge in unfair trade practices, such as when shopkeepers weigh less than 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. Consumer is 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.


Question 7. How does a consumer exercise his right to be informed?

Answer

  1. Manufacturers display the required information on the goods or medicines we purchase because consumers have the right to be informed.
  2. Consumers can then complain and ask for compensation or replacement if the product proves to be defective in any manner.
  3. For example, if we buy a product and find it defective within the expiry period, we can ask for a replacement. If the expiry period is not printed, the manufacturer will blame the shopkeeper and will not accept the responsibility.
  4. One can protest and complain if someone sells a 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.
  5. In October 2005, the government of India enacted a law known as RTI or the Right to Information Act, which ensures its citizens all the information about the functions of government departments.

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