CBSE-Class-10-Social-Science-Question-bank-Economics-Chapter-5-Consumer-Rights

Class 10^th Social Science- Consumer Rights

CONSUMER RIGHTS

NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS

Q.1. Find out any case of negligence on the part of people around you, where you think that

the responsibility lay with the producers. Discuss.

Ans. In a recent case of child birth involving surgery, anesthesia was given to an expecting mother.

But the late arrival of the operating doctor created a situation where only the child could be saved

and mother could not survive because of extra time for which anesthesia was given to her.

Q.2. For the following products/services discuss what safety rules should be observed by the

producers.

(a) LPG cylinders (b) cinema theatres (c) circus (d) medicines (e) edible oil (f) marriage pandal

(g) highrise building

Ans. (a) LPG Cylinders :

(i) The LPG has to have a distinct odour, easily detectable, in case of a leakage.

(ii) The cylinder should be strong and explosion proof to avoid accidents due to explosion.

(b) Cinema Theatres :

(i) The exits should be well lit and wide enough to prevent any stampede.

(iii) There should be provision of fire extinguishers at several locations to prevent any mishap.

(c) Circus :

(i) Emergency evacuation route should be well laid out and visible.

(ii) Circulation of air should be adequate to avoid instances of suffocation.

(d) Medicines :

(i) Do not buy any medicine after its expiry date.

(ii) Use medicine only after prescribed by qualified doctor.

(e) Edible oil :

(i) See Agmark on the product and its ingredients. It should not contain high saturated fats.

(f) Marriage Pandals :

(i) Should have adequate provisions for proper and safe parking of vehicles.

(ii) Maintenance of hygienic environment.

(g) High-rise Buildings :

(i) Uninterrupted availability of electricity for elevators.

(ii) Adequate arrangement of fire extinguishers.

Q.3. What is the difference between Consumer Protection Council and Consumer Court?

Ans. (1) Consumer Protection Councils which were formed under Consumer Protection Act in 1986

guide consumers on how to file cases in a consumer court while consumer courts look into

the grievances and complaints of the consumers.

(2) Consumer court at district level is called District Consumer Forum, while at state level it

is called State Consumer Commission and at national level it is called Consumer Protection

Council.

Q.4. Find out the details of who provides Hallmark and ISO certification.

Ans. Hallmark : Hallmark is quality certification for jewellery. This mark is issued by Indian

Standards Institution whose headquarter is in New Delhi.

ISO certification : At international level, International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)

whose headquarter is in Geneva (established in 1947) issues ISO certification which indicates

companies, goods or institutions having this certification meet the specific level of standards.

Q.5. The Consumer Protection Act, 1986, ensures the following as rights which every

consumer in India should possess

(i) Right to choice (iv) Right to representation

(ii) Right to information (v) Right to safety

(iii) Right to redressal (vi) Right to consumer education.

Categorise the following cases under different heads and mark against each in brackets.

(a) Lata got an electric shock from a newly purchased iron. She complained to the shopkeeper

immediately. ( )

(b) John is dissatisfied with the services provided by MTNL for the past few months. He files

a case in the District Consumer Forum. ( )

her to lodge a complaint. ( )

(d) Iqbal makes it a point to scan through all the particulars given on the pack of any items

that he buys. ( )

(e) You are not satisfied with the services of the cable operator catering to your locality but

you are unable to switch over to anybody else. ( )

(f) You realise that you have received a defective camera from a dealer. You are complaining

to the head office persistently. ( )

Ans. (a) Right to safety

(b) Right to redressal

(d) Right to consumer education

(e) Right to choice

(f) Right to representation

Questions in the Exercise

Q.1. Why are the rules and regulations required in the marketplace? Illustrate with an

example.

Ans. To protect the consumer from unfair trade practices, rules and regulations are required. This

can be explained with the help of an example. A shopkeeper weighs less than the actual

quantity or sells adulterated or defective goods. There should be some check on such activities.

Q.2. What factors gave birth to the consumer movement in India?

Ans. Unethical and unfair trade practices such as hoarding, black marketing etc, gave birth to the

consumer movement in an organised manner in 1960.

Q.3. Explain the need for consumer consciousness by giving examples.

Ans. Consumer consciousness is being aware of your right as a consumer while buying any goods

or services. 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.

Q.4. Mention a few factors which cause exploitation of consumers.

Ans. Factors which cause exploitation of consumers are :

(i) Lack of awareness of consumer rights among buyers.

(ii) Improper and inadequate monitoring of rules and regulations.

(ii) Individual purchase quantity is quite small.

(iv) Consumers are scattered over large areas.

Q.5. What was the rationale behind the enactment of Consumer Protection Act 1986?

Ans. The rationale behind the enactment of COPRA 1986 was to set up a separate department of

consumer affairs in Central and State governments and it has enabled us as consumers to have

the right to represent in a consumer court.

Q.6. Describe some of your duties as consumers when you buy any commodity from a

shopping mall 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.

Q.7. Suppose you buy a bottle of honey and a biscuit packet. Which logo or mark you will

have to look for and why?

Ans. We should look for Agmark symbol before buying the food items because this mark is certified

by the government and assures the quality of the product.

Q.8. What legal measures were taken by the government to empower the consumers in India?

Ans. Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices and exploitation. If

any damage is done to a consumer, he has the right to get compensation depending upon the

degree of damage. This is covered under COPRA. The government has also introduced RTI –

Right to Information Act – to empower the consumer.

Q.9. Mention some of the rights of consumers and write a few sentences on each.

Ans. Some of the rights of consumers are as follows :

(i) Right to choice — Any consumer who receives a service in whatever capacity, regardless

of age, gender and nature of service, has the right to choose whether to continue to receive

that service. Under this right, a consumer may also choose any one of the various brands

of a product (say, a refrigerator) available in the market.

(ii) Right to redressal — Consumers have the right to seek redressal against unfair trade

practices and exploitation.

(iii) Right to represent — The act has enabled us as consumers to have the right to represent

in the consumer courts.

Q.10. By what means can the consumers express their solidarity?

Ans. By way of Consumer Forums or Consumer Protection Councils, consumers can express their

solidarity.

Q.11. Critically examine the progress of consumer movement in India.

Ans. Earlier there was no legal system available to consumers to protect them from exploitation in

the marketplace. It was presumed that it was the responsibility of consumers to be careful

while buying a commodity or service.

It took many years for organisations in India and around the world to create awareness among

people.

In India, the consumer movement as a “social force” originated due to the necessity of

protecting and promoting the interest of consumers against unethical and unfair trade practices.

Hoarding, black marketing etc. gave birth to consumer movement in an organised form in the

1960s. As a result of which, the government passed the Consumer Protection Act in 1986.

Example – Any businessman resorting to unfair means shall be taken to task by the different

courts set up at the district, state and national levels. As a result, the consumers could be

compensated for the loss they incurred by buying defective goods or getting poor services.

Q.12. Match the following :

(i) Availing details of ingredients of product (a) Right to safety

(ii) Agmark (b) Dealing with consumer cases

(iii) Accident due to faulty engine in a scooter (c) Certification of edible oil and cereals

(iv) District Consumer Court (d) Agency that develops standards for goods and services

(v) Consumers International (e) Right to information

(vi) Bureau of Indian Standards (f) Global level institution of consumer welfare organisation

Ans. (i) (e) (ii) (c) (iii) (a) (iv) (b) (v) (f) (vi) (d)

Q.13. Say True or False.

Ans. (i) COPRA applies only to goods.

(ii) India is one of the many countries in the world which have exclusive courts for consumer

redressal.

(iii) When a consumer feels that he has been exploited, he must file a case in the District

Consumer Court.

(iv) It is worthwhile to move to consumer courts only if the damages incurred are of high

value.

(v) Hallmark is the certification maintained for standardisation of jewellery.

(vi) The consumer redressal process is very simple and quick.

(vii)A consumer has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of the damage.

Ans. (i) False (ii) True (iii) True (iv) False (v) True (vi) True (vii) True

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Q.1. The agencies which look into the complaints of the consumers are popularly called :

(a) consumer courts

(b) consumer commissions

(d) consumers cells

Ans. (a)

Q.2. An Act which ensures citizens of India to know about the functioning of the government departments :

(a) Right to Seek Redressal Act

(b) Right to Information Act

(d) Right to Protection Act

Ans. (b)

Q.3. The organisation which helps guide the consumers on how to file cases in the consumer courts are popularly called :

(a) consumer cells

(b) consumer associations

(d) consumer societies

Ans. (c)

Q.4. The organisation which lays down standards of products at the international level is called :

(a) ISI (b) ISRO

Ans. (c)

Q.5. Choose the factors which gave birth to the consumer movement in India :

(i) hoarding

(ii) black marketing

(iii) food shortage

(iv) adulteration of food

(a) (i) only (b) (i) (ii) (iii) only

Ans. (d)

Q.6. The process in which the quality of a food substance is lowered through the addition of another substance is called :

(a) mixing two substances

(b) adulteration

(d) all the above

Ans. (b)

Q.7. The Act which was enacted to protect the consumers :

(a) Consumer Redressal Act

(b) Right to Information Act

(d) Right to Represent Act

Ans. (c)

Q.8. Name the court to which a consumer can approach, having a claim of Rs. 40 lakhs

(a) National Consumer Court

(b) State Consumer Court

(d) None of the above

Ans. (b)

Q.9. Factors which cause the exploitation of the consumer :

(a) Limited and wrong information

(b) Illiteracy and ignorance of the

consumer

(d) All the above

Ans. (d)

Q.10. When was ISO certification established?

(a) 1952 (b) 1947

Ans. (b)

Q.11. Name the right under which a consumer can claim compensation for the damage caused by any product.

(a) Right to Safety

(b) Right to Seek Redressal

(d) None of these

Ans. (b)

Q.12. Which logo or mark you will have to look for on a biscuit packet?

(a) Agmark (b) ISI mark

Ans. (a)

Q.13. Which certification is maintained for standardisation of jewellery?

(a) ISI (b) Agmark

Ans. (c)

Q.14. Name the Act under which consumer courts have been established :

(a) National Consumer Commission Act

(b) State Consumer Commission

(d) None of these

Ans. (c)

Q.15. To protect themselves what do consumers need?

(a) Consumer Forums

(b) Consumer Protection Councils

(d) Consumer awareness

Ans. (d)

Q.16. Which mark should you look for while buying honey?

(a) ISI (b) ISO

Ans. (c)

Q.17. The logo of ISI, Agmark or Hallmark

on a product certifies its :

(a) quality standards

(b) ingredients of the product

(d) none of these

Ans. (a)

Q.18. National Consumers Day fall on :

(a) 31 March (b) 23 August

Ans. (c)

Q.19. Consumers International was created by

(a) UNESCO (b) UN

Ans. (b)

Q.20. Consumer Protection Act (COPRA) was enacted by Indian Government in :

(a) 1986 (b) 1983

Ans. (a)

Q.21. MRP on a product represents :

(a) minimum retail price

(b) maximum retail price

(d) none of the above

Ans. (b)

Q.22. Right to Information (RTI) Act was enacted by the Government of India in :

(a) October 2005

(b) December 2005

(d) None of the above

Ans. (a)

Q.23. District level consumer courts can settle claims up to :

(a) Rs 20 lakh (b) Rs 1 crore

Ans. (a)

Q.24. Consumer Protection Act, 1986 covers the whole of India except

(a) the state of Jammu and Kashmir

(b) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

(d) none of the above

Ans. (a)

Q.25. Marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property is covered under :

(a) right to be protected

(b) right to be assured

(d) right to be informed

Ans. (a)

Q.26. As per Consumer Protection Act, 1986, unfair trade practices do not involve which of the following?

(a) false or misleading representations

(b) bargain price

standard

(d) offering discounts or rebates

Ans. (d)

Q.27. Who can seek information under the RTI Act, 2005?

(a) A group of persons

(b) An individual citizen

(d) An association / society

Ans. (b)

Q.28. If information is not provided or denied, what can you do under RTI Act?

(a) Cannot do anything

(b) Fight with PIO (Public information officers)

(d) Request again

Ans. (c)

Q.29. Which of the following is covered under public services?

(a) Postal services

(b) Mobile repair services

(d) None of the above

Ans. (a)

Q.30. Which of the following does not come under local taxes in MRP of a product?

(a) Central sales tax

(b) Luxury tax

(d) VAT (value added tax)

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

Q.1. The consumer movement in India has led to the formation of various organizations which are locally known as :

(a) Consumer Protection Council

(b) The Consumer International

(d) The World Trade Organization

Ans. (c)

Q.2. Which one of the following is not true regarding the Right to Safety ?

(a) Right to be protected against unsafe appliances.

(b) Right to protected against unsafe working conditions.

(d) Right to be protected against services which are hazardous to life.

Ans. (c)

Q.3. Who amongst the following is protected through rules and regulations in the market place ?

(a) The shopkeepers

(b) The manufactures

(d) The suppliers

Ans. (c)

Q.4. On which of the following date does we celebrate the National Consumers’ Day?

(a) 24 October (b) 14 October

Ans. (c)

Q.5. Which one of the following quality certification is obtained by food processing companies ?

(a) Agmark (b) ISI

Ans. (c)

Q.6. In October 2005, the Government of India enacted a law known as :

(a) Right to Choose Act

(b) Right to Information Act

(d) Anti-corruption Act

Ans. (b)

Q.7. Which right of the consumers is violated if the consumers are not allowed to get their claims settled against the manufactures in case they are cheated or exploited ?

(a) Right to seek redressal

(b) Right to choose

(d) Right to equality

Ans. (a)

Q.8. When was the ‘Right to Information Act’ passed ?

(a) In January 2002 (b) In March 2004

Ans. (c)

Q.9. Which of the following laws was enacted by the Government of India in the year 2005 ?

(a) The Right to Information Act

(b) The Consumer Protection Act

(d) The Right to Property Act

Ans. (a)

Q.10. Which one of the following is the agency that develops standards for goods and services in India ?

(a) CUPRA

(b) National Consumer Court

(d) Bureau of Indian Standards

Ans. (d)

Q.11. Which one of the following is not a function of Consumer Protection Councils ?

(a) They guide consumers how to file cases

(b) On many occasions they represent individual consumers in the consumers court

(d) They help the consumer financially

Ans. (d)

Q.12. At the global level, this has become the foundation for consumer movement :

(a) Consumer International

(b) COPRA

(d) None of the above

Ans. (a)

Q.13. Which of the following is not a right of consumers?

(a) Right to safety

(b) Right to be informed

(d) Right to constitutional remedies

Ans. (d)

Q.14. Suppose you want to buy toothpaste and the shop owner says that he/she can sell the toothpaste only if you buy a toothbrush, which of your right is being violated by the shopkeeper ?

(a) Right to safety

(b) Right to be informed

(d) Right to represent

Ans. (c)

Q.15. A chemist sold you a medicine of expiry date under which consumer right you can approach the consumer court ?

(a) Right of Safety

(b) Right to Seek Redressal

(d) Right to Equality

Ans. (a)

Q.16. India celebrates 24th December as :

(a) National Consumers Day

(b) National Producers Day

(d) National Grievance Day

Ans. (a)

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1. What do you mean by right to be informed? How it protects consumer interests?

Ans. Right to be informed about the quality, quantity, purity, potency, standard and price of goods

so as to protect the consumers against unfair trade practices.

How it protects consumer’s interests : Consumer can get all information about the product or

service before making a choice or a decision. This will enable him to act wisely and

responsibly and also enable him to desist from falling prey to high pressure selling techniques.

Q.2. Explain how ‘right to seek redressal’ help consumers to protect them against unfair

practices and exploitation.

Ans. Right to seek redressal against unfair trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers

also includes right to fair settlement of the genuine grievances of the consumer. Consumer can

make complaint for their genuine grievances. Many a time their complaint may be of small

value but its impact an society as a whole may be very large. They can also take the help of

a consumer organisation in seeking redressal of their grievances.

Q.3. How does logo with letters ISI, Agmark or Hallmark help consumers?

Ans. These logos help consumers to get assured of quality while purchasing the goods and services.

These logos are the symbols of trust, confidence and goodwill of the product.

Q.4. How government protects the interests of consumers?

Ans. Government has taken 3 measures to protect the interest of consumers.

(i) Legislative measures : The government enacted a law called Consumer Protection Act in

1986. The act provides for the establishment of consumer dispute redressal mechanisms

at district, state and national levels.

(ii) Administrative measures : Public Distribution System (PDS) started by Government to

prevent hoarding and black marketing.

(iii) Technical measures : Setting up institutions for fixing up the standards for products like

Indian Standards Institutes, are technical measures taken by Government.

Q.5. What is the role of RTI Act in India? Explain.

Ans. In October 2005, the Government of India enacted a law, popularly known as RTI (Right to

Information) Act, which ensures its citizens all the information about the functioning of

government departments. Right to information has been expanded to cover various services

provided by the government. For example, if we buy a product and find it defective well before

the expiry period, we can ask for a replacement.

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

Q.1. Explain any three ways by which people may be exploited in the market.

Ans. Consumer may be exploited in the market in the following ways :

(a) Substandard quality : Selling of medicines beyond their expiry date, supply of defective

home appliances etc. are the activities by traders in which they sell substandard quality

of goods.

(b) Higher prices : Traders sometimes charge a price higher than the reteil price (MRP).

Q.2. What are the rights given under COPRA for the redressal of grievances ? Explain.

[2011 (T-2)]

Ans. The rights given under COPRA for the redressal of grievances are as follows :

(i) Right to safety : This is the right to be protected against the marketing of goods which are

hazardous to health and life.

(ii) Right to be informed : Consumers have the right to get all information about the product

or service before making a choice or a decision. This will enable the consumers not to fall

prey to the sellers tactics.

(iii) Right to choose : Consumers the right to choose from amongst a variety of goods and

services available in the market at competitive prices.

(iv) Right to be heard : Every consumer’s complaints or grievances regarding any product or

services will be considered.

(v) Right to seek redressal : When consumers are cheated or exploited, they have a right to

get claims settled against the manufacturer.

(vi) Right to consumer education : A consumer can protect himself against various

malpractices when he knows his rights and the remedies available to him.

Q.3. How is a consumer benefitted by the right to be informed?

Ans. Consumer can ask about the facts, information about quality, date of manufacture, price,

precautions etc. about a product he is willing to buy. After getting the complete information,

a consumer has a complete freedom to deny or accept the product.

Q.4. Briefly explain the three-tier quasi-judicial machinery set up under the Consumer

Protection Act of 1986.

Ans. The government enacted a specific law called the Consumer Protection Act, 1985. Most

important feature of the Act is the provision for setting up a three-tier system as follows :

(i) National Consumer Commission (ii) State Consumer Commission

(iii) District Forum

These courts look into the grievances and complaints of the consumers against the traders and

manufacturers and provide the necessary relief and compensation to the consumers.

Q.5. Highlight any three problems which a consumer may face in the process of redressal?

Ans. The problems which a consumer may face in the process of redressal are :

(a) It may be time-consuming.

(b) It may be expensive as a consumer has to engage the lawyers.

Q.6. Describe any three features of Consumer Forum?

Ans. Features of Consumer Forum are as follows :

(i) They guide the consumers on filing the cases in consumer courts.

(ii) In many cases, they represent the individual consumer at the consumer courts.

(iii) They create awareness among the people.

Q.7. Explain any three factors that led to the growth of consumer movements in India? Give

any three factors.

Ans. Factors that led to the growth of consumer movements in India are :

(i) Exploitation of consumers by the traders or shopkeepers.

(ii) To avoid black marketing, adulteration of food etc. by traders.

(iii) To check the malpractices at ration shops and even at road passenger transport.

Q.8. Highlight any three duties of the consumers.

Ans. Duties of the consumers are as follows :

(i) Consumer should purchase quality marked products such as ISI, Agmark etc. and take the

warranty card, if possible.

(ii) Consumer should ask for cash memo for items purchased.

(iii) Consumer should make complaints for the genuine grievances.

Q.9. Explain consumer’s right to seek redressal.

Ans. This is the right to get relief against unfair trade practices and unscrupulous exploitation. When

consumers are cheated or exploited, they have a right to get claims settled against the

manufacturer. A number of consumer courts and agencies have been set up for this purpose.

Q.10. What legal measures have been taken by the government to empower the consumers in

India?

Ans. The government enacted a specific law called the Consumer Protection Act, 1985. Most

important feature of the Act is the provision for setting up a three-tier system as follows :

(i) National Consumer Commission (ii) State Consumer Commission

(iii) District Forum

These courts look into the grievances and complaints of the consumers against the traders and

manufacturers and provide the necessary relief and compensation to the consumers.

Q.11. Why are rules and regulations required for the ‘protection of consumers’ interest’ in the

marketplace? Explain any two reasons.

Ans. Rules and regulations required for the ‘protection of consumers’ interest’ in the marketplace

because :

(a) Individual consumers when exploited at the market, find themselves in a weak position.

Sellers take no responsibility of the products they have sold.

(b) Unfair trade practices like black marketing, adulteration etc. need to be checked.

Q.12. How do duplicate articles and adulteration cause heavy loss to the consumers? Give two

example.

Ans. Duplicate articles and adulteration cause heavy loss to the consumers in the following

ways :

(i) Duplicate articles such as duplicate medicines may cause life risks for the consumers.

(ii) Duplicate articles and adulterated goods cause financial loss to the consumers and leave

them unsatisfied.

Q.13. Explain the consumer’s ‘Right to Choose’ with suitable example.

Ans. Right to choose : The consumer has a right to choose from amongst a variety of goods and

services available in the market at competitive prices.

For example : A gas supply dealer cannot force or insist any consumer to buy a gas stove if

they do not require it at the time of taking a new connection.

Q.14. What is the rationale behind the enactment of Consumer Protection Act, 1986 ?

Ans. Consumer exploitation has given rise to consumer organisations which started writing articles,

publicity through media and holding exhibitions at various areas to make the consumer aware.

Consumer groups were formed to look into the malpractices at the ration shops and

overcrowding in the road passenger transport. Government started taking initiatives to correct

faulty business practices which are against the consumers. A major step taken by the

government in 1986 was the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

Q.15. What are Consumer Forums ? What is their importance ?

Ans. Consumer Forums are the organisations formed to guide consumer rights. They are also called

as Consumer Protection Councils.

Importance of these organisations are as follows :

(i) They guide a consumer in filing the cases at the consumer courts.

(ii) They can also represent individual consumer at the consumer courts, if required.

(iii) They create awareness among people regarding consumer rights. For this, they also receive

financial support from the government.

Q.16. Explain any three strategies adopted by the government to protect the interest of the

consumers.

Ans. The strategies or measures adopted by the government to protect the interest of the consumers

are as follows :

(i) Legislative measures : Formation of national, state and district level courts to look into the

grievances and complains of the consumers.

(ii) Administrative measures : Formation of Public Distribution Systems (PDS). They ensure

food security to the poor and prevent hoarding, black marketing and overcharging by

traders.

(iii) Technical measures : Various quality standards have been settled to ensure the quality of

products. BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) is for industrial and consumer goods, Agmark

for agricultural products and ISO (International Standard Organisation) checks the goods

at international level.

Q.17. “There is a need for rules and regulations to ensure protection of consumers.” Give two

arguments in support of the statement.

Ans. (i) There is a need for rules and regulations to protect the consumers from unfair trade

practices. For example –

A shopkeeper weighs less than the actual quantity and charges more.

(ii) In order to make high profit, some manufacturers of oil, ghee, butter, khoya etc. stoop to

adulteration. Such things prove very injurious to the health of the customers. Hence, rules

and regulations protect the consumers from such unethical trade practices.

Q.18. Analyse the functions of Consumer Protection Councils.

Ans. Consumer Protection Councils help the consumers against any harassments or cheating from

any business or economic agency. If any businessman resorting to unfair means he shall be

taken to task by councils set up at the district, state and national level. Consumers’ complaints

are heard by them and with their cooperation, the councils try to get the culprits duly punished

and the grievances of the consumers redressed. The councils educate the consumers to be

aware of their rights and how to protect them. (The rights, for example, of information, right

to choose, right to be heard, right to be protected against goods hazardous to life and property

etc.) The councils see to it that the customers are compensated for the loss they incurred in

buying defective goods or getting poor services. For example, a bank was fined for sloppy

services, a hospital had to pay compensation to a patient for medical negligence etc.

Q.19. Why is very it difficult to make changes to the power sharing arrangement between the

Union government and State governments? Explain with example.

Ans. In this arrangement, Constitution clearly lays down the division of powers between Union and

States. So for any changes, it has to go through the amendment procedures which is difficult.

Here, the Centre has a general authority, but the regional or state governments are given

autonomy. So interference in each other’s jurisdiction for any change is difficult.

For example, in India where there is federal division of powers, if it is required to bring any

changes in the state boundary, the concerned state has to be consulted and 2/3 special majority

amendment procedure is to be followed.

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q.1. Explain the factors which gave birth to the consumer movement in India.

Ans. (i) Unfair trade practices : Some traders and shopkeepers indulge in unethical or unfair trade

practices. They cheat the customers by giving them articles of substandard quality.

Duplicate items are also available in the market but they look so genuine that even wise

and clever customers fail to differentiate them.

Similarly, underweighing tactics are very common among shopkeepers. They give less

quantity but charge more than the actual.

(ii) Adulteration and impurity : It is also a common practice where manufacturers of ghee, oil,

butter etc. resort to adulteration. These activities increase their profit margin causing loss

to the customers. Sometimes it proves very injurious to the health of the customers.

(iii) Artificial scarcity : Shortage of essential items in the market is the result of hoarding. In

order to get more profit certain unscrupulous traders resort to hoarding of these goods

thereby creating artificial scarcity. After sometime they sell these products at higher prices.

(iv) False or incomplete information : At times false information is passed on through the

media and through other methods to attract consumers. This activity causes monetary loss

as well as inconvenience to the consumers.

PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTIONS

Q.2. Who is a consumer? Explain five duties of a consumer.

Ans. Any person who buys anything in the market and uses it, is called consumer.

Duties of consumer : (i) It is the responsibility of the consumer to be more alert and

questioning about the price and quality of goods and services that he/she uses. (ii) To assert

and act to ensure that he/she gets a fair deal. (iii) To organise together as consumers to develop

the strength and influence to promote and protect their interests. (iv) To purchase quality

marked products such as ISI, AGMARK etc. (v) To ask for cash memo for the items purchased

whenever possible.

Consumer Rights

Class 10th Social Science- Consumer Rights

Class 10^th Social Science- Consumer Rights