Class Ten Economics Chapter 5 NCERT Solutions
Chapter 5: Consumer Right
NCERT QUESTIONS
TEXTBOOK EXERCISES. Class Ten Economics Chapter 5 NCERT Solutions
1. Why are the rules and regulations required in the marketplace? Illustrate with a few examples.
Ans. Rules and regulations are required due to the following reasons:
(i) Individual consumers often find themselves in a weak position.
(ii) In case of complaint about the product, the seller tries to shift all the responsibility on to the buyers.
(iii) Shopkeepers and traders exploit consumers in different ways, such as weighing less, charging more prices, selling defective and adulterated goods, etc.
(iv) At times false information is passed on through the media and other sources to attract consumers. For example, a company for years sold powder milk for babies all over the world as the most scientific product claiming this to be better than the mother’s milk. It took years of struggle before the company was forced to accept that it had been making false claims.
Therefore, there is a need to have rules and regulations to ensure protection for consumers.
2. What factors gave birth to the consumer movement in India? Trace its evolution.
Ans. The following factors gave birth to the consumer movement in India.
The dissatisfaction of consumers as many sellers indulged in unfair trade practices, such as weighing less, charging high prices, selling defective goods, etc.
No law was available to consumers to protect themselves from unethical and unfair trade practices by the sellers.
TEXTBOOK EXERCISES
Evolution of consumer movement:
(i) It took many years for organisations in India, and around the world, to create awareness amongst people.
(ii) In India, the consumer movement as a ‘social force’ originated with the necessity of protecting and promoting the interests of consumers against exploitation in the marketplace.
(iii) Rampant food shortages, hoarding, black marketing, adulteration of food and edible oil gave birth to the consumer movement in an organized form in the 1960s.
(iv) Till the 1970s, consumer organisations were largely engaged in writing articles and holding exhibitions.
(v) Consumer groups were formed to look into the malpractices in ration shops.
(vi) Later, in 1986 the Government enacted the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 (COPRA) to protect the interests of consumers.
3. Explain the need for consumer consciousness by giving two examples.
Ans. When consumers become conscious of their rights while purchasing various goods and services, they will be able to discriminate and make informed choices. This calls for acquiring the knowledge and skill to become a well-informed consumer. For example,
(i) It is common to see consumers bargaining with sellers for additional discounts below the MRP.
(ii) Because of conscious consumers, most of the sweet shops do not include the weight of the container when they weigh sweets.
4. Mention a few factors which cause exploitation of consumers.
Ans. Factors which cause exploitation of consumers are the following.
(i) Individual consumers often find themselves in a weak position if cheated by sellers.
(ii) Consumers are scattered and purchase in a small amount.
(iii) Consumers do not take a receipt for products of small value.
(iv) Limited supplies of goods and services are made to exploit the consumers by charging high prices.
(v) Rules and regulations are not monitored properly.
(vi) Consumers are not fully aware of their rights and duties.
5. What is the rationale behind the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act 1986?
Ans. Consumer Protection Act was implemented to protect the interests of consumers by providing consumer rights. There are no legal formalities for filing the case. Consumer himself can plead the case in the consumer court on a plain paper with supporting documents, such as guarantee or warranty card, cash memo, etc.
6. Describe some of your duties as consumers if you visit a shopping complex in your locality.
Ans. When a consumer buys any commodity, he/she should be aware of his or her rights and verify the following details given on the packing :
(i) The MRP of the product.
(ii) Date of expiry of the product.
(iii) Instructions for use.
(iv) Address of the manufacturer.
For example, when a consumer buys medicines, he must read directions for proper use. The consumer should negotiate for a price which is either below MRP or equal to the MRP. Date of expiry should be much after the date of purchase.
If the product does not match the written specification, the consumer can lodge a complaint with authorities and ask for compensation.