India. A land of diversity, and different cultures, and unique lifestyles. A place where everyone is different, and knows the world differently.
And yet, we are not divided.
Diverse, but unified. Contrasting cultures, in harmony. Unique, but toget...
Smart consumers should know what all the options are. - Rick Steves
In recent times the focus has shifted from Caveat Emptor (let the buyer beware) to Caveat Venditor (let the seller beware) owing to the increased competition in the market that leaves the consumers with numerous choices making them the rulers of the market.
On March 15th, 1962, John F Kennedy, the then President of the US, submitted a special message to the US Congress about the significance of protecting the consumer's interests. The idea of World Consumer Rights Day was inspired by this message. In 1983, the World Consumer Rights movement took a formal stand, and ever since, on the 15th of March every year, we observe World Consumer Rights Day to raise awareness about consumer rights and needs.
A few vital rights of the consumers worldwide include the following:
✨ Right to Safety
✨ Right to be Informed
✨ Right to Choose
✨ Right to be Heard
In India, the Consumer Protection Act that was passed by the Parliament in the year 1986 ensures the safeguarding of consumer rights and also puts forth the mechanism and institutions to be approached for grievance redressal.
This year, the theme of World Consumer Rights Day is to Tackle Plastic Pollution. With the rise in the use of single-use plastic during the pandemic, it has become very important to find ways to recycle and reuse plastic. In fact, it would be even better if we could curb the use of plastic and try to stick to other materials that wouldn't harm the environment as much as plastic does.
As consumers, we need to be aware of our rights, and we need to be able to raise our voices against unfair market practices. At the same time, it is essential for us to acknowledge the current environmental scenario and take steps to make the world a healthy and safe place to live in.
This day, let's all make a promise to stand up against unfair practices in the market, and at the same time, let's also promise to try our best to curb the use of plastics!
