Family Economics and Consumer Education

Family Economics And Consumer Education 3 (2+1)

Lesson 18 : Consumer Movement

Concept Of Consumer Movement

Consumer movement is a collective power of consumers to take a country forward with respect to awareness education and development.
Consumer movement attempts to improve the quality of living of the people, determine the degree of development in a country.
According to an estimate, consumers in India are cheated to an extent of Rs 2000 crores, which operates at 2 levels.
Firstly at the level of manufacturing and secondly at the level of trading. Consumer exploitation takes place through adulteration, under weight, faulty weights, raised prices, hoarding, and through corruption.
Moreover consumer is subjected to sale of hazardous toys, foods, drugs and appliances without due regard to their safety.
Many times consumers are also cheated about the quality, quantity, durability and prices of the goods. If consumers are not organized then, those who suffer may not get the relief.
The Consumer Movement Is Basically Related To

1. Testing of consumer goods
2. Evaluating services offered
3. Acting as a source and clearing house of information
4. Promoting the formation and development of new consumer organizations
5. Providing advice
6. Holding of seminars
7. Rendering of practical assistance in consumer protection and
8. Consumer education.