Question

State any four functions performed by consumer organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for protecting and promoting the interest of consumers.

Hint:

Consumer organizations and NGOs play a crucial role in educating consumers, conducting product tests, providing legal aid, and fighting against unethical trade practices to protect consumer rights.

Answer 1

Functions Performed by Consumer Organizations and NGOs: (Any four)
(i) Educating Consumers about Their Rights
- Consumer organizations and NGOs conduct training programs, seminars, and workshops to inform the public about consumer rights.
- They raise awareness regarding consumer protection laws, legal remedies, and ethical business practices.
(ii) Publishing Consumer Awareness Materials
- These organizations publish magazines, periodicals, and reports to provide knowledge about consumer rights, product quality, and legal reporting.
- They help consumers stay informed about their rights and available reliefs.
(iii) Comparative Testing of Consumer Products
- Consumer groups conduct scientific testing in accredited laboratories to compare product quality, safety, and effectiveness.
- The results of these tests are published, helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
(iv) Encouraging Consumer Action Against Unfair Trade Practices
- NGOs encourage consumers to raise their voices against exploitative and unfair business practices.
- They promote collective action and consumer activism to pressure companies into ethical practices.
(v) Providing Legal Assistance
- Consumer organizations offer legal advice, aid, and guidance to consumers seeking justice.
- They assist in filing complaints in consumer courts and regulatory bodies.
(vi) Filing Cases on Behalf of Consumers
- These organizations take legal action against businesses violating consumer rights.
- They represent individual and collective consumer grievances in consumer courts.
(vii) Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
- NGOs initiate cases in consumer courts for public welfare, ensuring better standards of business conduct.
- This is done not for individual benefit but in the interest of the general public.