To raise awareness about consumer rights and promote the same, every year on March 15, World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated. The day which was first observed on March 15, 1983, lays emphasis on the need to protect consumers against market exploitation and injustices.
History
It was inspired by US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s US Congress address on the same day in 1962. He highlighted the importance of consumer rights and was the first world leader to talk about it. He called for four basic rights for every consumer – the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, and the right to be heard to help consumers not fall prey to false companies and information.
Theme
This year as the climate crisis effects become prominent globally the theme is ‘Empowering consumers through clean energy transitions’ to promote access to sustainable energy and support consumers to meet net-zero targets and combat high rising costs of energy.
According to Consumer International, the theme addresses today’s challenges which is to “help consumers through present difficulties whilst enabling a rapid transition that guarantees sustainability, security, and affordability in the long term.”
Coming together for change in energy transitions, will both support consumers through the cost-of-living crisis and help to meet net-zero targets by promoting access to sustainable energy globally.
Significance
One of the main aims of the day is to make people aware of their rights as a consumer and to make sure that people don’t fall prey to fraud.
In India, the Consumer Protection Act was passed on December 9, 1986
Right to Safety – The right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property.
Right to be Informed – The right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods so as to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices.
Right to Choose – The right to be assured, wherever possible of access to a variety of goods and services at a competitive price.
Right to be Heard – This right ensured that the consumer’s interests will receive due consideration at appropriate forums.
Right to Seek redressal – The right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.
Right to Consumer Education – The right to acquire the knowledge and skill to be an informed consumer throughout life.
