Consumer Education

CONSUMER RESPONSIBILITIES

During the introduction of economic and political liberalization in the early 1990s the Government reduced its direct involvement or intervention in commercial activities. It was recognized that a country that has undertaken economic liberalization measures must take interest in ensuring that the welfare and efficiency benefits arising from such measures are not lost due to anti-competitive practices by firms. In this regard, a law protecting the welfare of consumers from unfair trading practices was enacted.  

These rights have been accepted all over the world. A knowledge of these rights helps you to protect yourself against the various unfair practices of traders.

However you should be careful and not misuse them. If you want to enjoy certain rights you have to fulfill certain responsibilities as well. You must always try to behave in a certain manner and develop good purchasing habits;

• KEEP RECORDS-Always take bills, receipts, guarantee cards, etc. and keep them safely and maintain them as records. They are proof of your purchase and help in getting redress in case of grievance
• AVOID BEING CARRIED AWAY-Do not let yourself get carried away by sales talks, attractive labels, packaging, free gifts and advertisements and other sales tricks.
• LEARN YOUR RIGHTS-Get acquainted with your rights as a consumer so that you are not taken advantage of
• BUY QUALITY-Insist on buying good quality products, even if they are not popular names. This will help in removing substandard products from the market
• USE WISELY-Do not waste any product. Make an effort to conserve resources so that they can last longer
• BLOW WHISTLES-Report cases of cheating and encourage other consumers to report also. Cooperate with law enforcement agencies in getting the guilty offenders punished
• FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS-Follow carefully the manufacturer’s instruction for use, care and maintenance of a product.