Step 1: Understanding the Consumer Protection Act.
The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) was constituted under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, with the aim of providing speedy and effective redressal of consumer grievances. The NCDRC serves as the apex body in the consumer dispute redressal system.
Step 2: Explanation of the options.
- (a) 1988: This is the correct answer, as the NCDRC was established under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, which came into force in 1988.
- (b) 1998: This is incorrect, as the NCDRC was constituted earlier.
- (c) 1999: This is incorrect; the correct year is 1988.
- (d) 1997: This is incorrect.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct answer is (a) 1988.