National Consumer Rights Day

Introduction

National Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on 24th December in India to commemorate the passage of the landmark consumer protection legislation, The Consumer Protection Act, 1986. So, in order to celebrate this day, the Indian Government introduces a theme every year. The day marks an important milestone in India’s journey towards protecting the interests of consumers and ensuring that they are aware of their legal rights. Consumer rights in India are protected by the Consumer Protection Act of 1986, which provides a simple, quick, and low-cost way for consumers to pursue disputes. The act lays down the rights of consumers and provides a framework for the redressal of consumer grievances.

Some of the important rights conferred on consumers include:

• Protection against hazardous goods
• Information about goods and services
• The right to fair and honest treatment by traders
• The right to redressal of grievances

The theme for National Consumer Rights Day — 2021

This year’s theme, “tackling plastic pollution”, is particularly relevant in light of the growing menace of plastic pollution. Plastic, therefore, has become one of the biggest threats to the environment and poses a serious threat to human health. According to estimates, 13 million tonnes of plastic end up in the ocean each year, posing a serious threat to marine life and the environment. As a result, it is critical for consumers to be aware of the dangers posed by plastic and to take steps to reduce their reliance on plastics.

In 2021, the Indian government plans to tackle plastic pollution by implementing a number of initiatives. These include:

• Banning single-use plastics
• Introducing a deposit system for PET bottles
• Establishing recycling facilities for plastic waste
• Educating citizens about the dangers of plastic pollution and how to reduce their consumption of plastic products

These initiatives are necessary to address the growing problem of plastic pollution in India. In 2017, the country generated nearly 28 million tonnes of plastic waste, a figure that is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. Plastic pollution is a serious environmental threat that can have devastating consequences for human health and wildlife. It is time for India to act in order to combat this problem.

How to Protect your Consumer rights in the digital age?

In a world where technology is constantly evolving, it’s more important than ever for consumers to be aware of their rights within the Digital space.

Here are some tips on how to protect yourself while making an online purchase:

• Always read the terms and conditions before you agree to them. This includes looking out for any small print that may contain hidden charges or restrictions.
• If you’re not happy with a purchase, you have the right to return it within a certain timeframe. However, check store’s return policy before you buy anything.
• Make sure your personal information is secure by using strong passwords and encrypting your data.
• Be aware of when you’re using your rights, and when someone is trying to take advantage of them.
• If you have any problems, try contacting the business first to see if they can help. If they can’t or won’t help, then you can contact a consumer rights organization for advice.
• Stay informed about the latest scams and how to protect yourself from them.

Consumers have more information than ever available online making it easier than ever to make informed decisions. In addition to preventing exploitation, these guidelines can also contribute to a reduction in plastic pollution. On National Consumer Day, Dynamind pledges to reduce our reliance on plastics and work towards a more sustainable and empowered future for the nation.

Originally published at https://blogs.dynamind.co on December 24, 2021.