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December 24, 2024 10:10
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National Consumer Rights Day is observed on December 24 to create awareness about consumer rights. Learn more about National Consumer Rights Day 2024 here.
The National Consumer Rights Day 2024 celebration is chaired by Shri Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi on December 24, 2024. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about consumer rights, highlighting the importance of protecting consumers, and promoting fair trade practices. The date marks the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, a landmark legislation that established consumer rights in India. The day serves as a reminder of the rights and responsibilities of consumers and aims to empower them against unfair trade practices.
National Consumer Rights Day is an annual observance on December 24 to commemorate the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. This day aims to protect consumers from exploitation, ensure fair trade practices, and empower them to fight against deceptive marketing tactics and unfair business practices. The celebration of this day is led by government bodies, consumer protection organizations, and educational institutions through awareness campaigns, workshops, and educational programs.
The theme for National Consumer Rights Day 2024 is “Virtual Hearings & Digital Access to Consumer Justice.” It focuses on using technology to make consumer grievance redressal faster and more accessible. The theme highlights the role of virtual platforms and digital tools in ensuring transparent and cost-effective justice. It reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging digital advancements to enhance fairness and inclusivity in consumer protection.
The Consumer Protection Act provides six fundamental rights to every consumer. These rights ensure that consumers are treated fairly and are able to make informed choices. Below are the key rights of consumers in India:
Certain Consumer Protection Acts and laws are enacted by the government to strengthen the rights of consumers, and through which Consumers can file complaints. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) was created to investigate violations of consumer rights. Here are some Consumer Protection Laws in India:
| Law Name | Year | Key Provisions |
| Consumer Protection Act | 1986 | Establishment of consumer councils and authorities for dispute resolution. |
| Consumer Protection Act | 2019 | Updated the 1986 Act with provisions for e-commerce, product liability, mediation, and the establishment of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA). |
| Legal Metrology Act | 2009 | Regulates standards for weights, measures, and products to ensure fair trade practices. |
| Food Safety and Standards Act | 2006 | Ensures food safety, regulates food standards and establishes the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). |
India has a three-tier consumer redressal system for addressing consumer grievances. These bodies are set up under the Consumer Protection Act and ensure that consumers can seek justice without delay.
| Agency | Jurisdiction | Compensation Limit |
| District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC) | District-level complaints | Up to ₹1 crore |
| State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) | Appeals from DCDRC | ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore |
| National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) | Appeals from SCDRC | Above ₹10 crore |
These agencies offer consumers a platform to seek compensation and redressal for unfair practices or grievances related to products and services.
To mark National Consumer Day 2024, the government is introducing several groundbreaking initiatives aimed at enhancing consumer protection and accessibility to justice. These initiatives leverage advanced technologies such as AI-enabled systems and digital platforms. Below is a detailed list of the key initiatives:
| Initiative | Details |
|---|---|
| Safety Pledge by e-Commerce Companies | 13 major e-commerce companies will sign a pledge to ensure consumer safety and adopt fair trade practices. |
| ‘Jago Grahak Jago App’ | A mobile application to educate consumers about their rights and provide a platform to lodge complaints easily. |
| ‘Jagriti App’ and ‘Jagriti Dashboard’ | Tools to protect consumers from deceptive practices like dark patterns and to track complaint resolutions. |
| ‘e-Mapp’ Portal | A comprehensive platform offering Legal Metrology Services, including weights, measures, and packaging compliance. |
| AI-Enabled National Consumer Helpline 2.0 | An upgraded, AI-powered helpline for real-time assistance and improved grievance redressal services. |
| BIS SMART Standards Initiative | The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will adopt SMART Standards by 2025 to make regulations simpler and transparent. |
The history of National Consumer Rights Day is linked to the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, which was later replaced by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. This law was a landmark moment in India’s consumer rights movement, as it provided consumers with a legal framework to address their grievances and obtain compensation.
The United Nations also celebrates World Consumer Rights Day on March 15 every year. This inspired India to establish a separate observance dedicated to the rights of Indian consumers. The day has since become a powerful symbol of the government’s commitment to consumer welfare and awareness.
National Consumer Rights Day 2024 holds great significance as it underscores the importance of consumer rights and calls for the protection of consumer interests. Key highlights of the day’s significance include:
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