World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated on 15 March of every year. This day was inspired by a speech John F. Kennedy (former US President) gave on consumer rights on 15 March 1962 while speaking at the US Congress. Anwar Fazal, a worker for Consumers International, later proposed this day as World Consumer Rights Day.
On that note, let us look at some of the details of this day, its significance, theme, and other information. Then, candidates preparing for the IAS exam can read through this account to get a crisp idea of what this day entails as they may be asked questions regarding the same.
The theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2023 is ‘Empowering Consumers Through Clean Energy Transitions’.
The candidates can go through the relevant topics useful for their upcoming exams from the links provided below:
| World Day of Social Justice | World Day Against Child Labour |
| National Small Industry Day | National Engineer’s Day |
| National Mathematics Day | Human Rights Day |
Significance of World Consumer Rights Day
World Consumer Rights Day is significant because it is a day to recognise the consumer rights of the general populace and act upon them. Moreover, it is an essential expression of every person as a consumer, as they take positive steps which affect everyone.
Theme for World Consumer Rights Day, 2023
The theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2023 is ‘Empowering Consumers Through Clean Energy Transitions’. As per Consumers International, the theme aims at achieving a fair transition in the energy sector.
Theme for World Consumer Rights Day, 2021
Each year we celebrate World Consumer Rights Day with a particular theme. For example, the theme for 2021’s celebration of World Consumer Rights Day 2021 is “Tackling Plastic Pollution”.
The Consumers International Organisation has chosen this theme, and it calls for all consumers to tackle the problem that is plastic pollution. To do this, this international forum stipulates that consumers follow the ‘7 R’s.
The ‘7 R’s are:
- Replacing
- Rethinking
- Refusing
- Reducing
- Reusing
- Recycling
- Repairing
What Takes Place on World Consumer Rights Day 2021?
On this day, advocates of the day express themselves such that the rights of the consumer are protected and respected. There is no discrimination based on the community or background of the consumer or the service or product in question. It is understood that all consumers have the knowledge and power to protest against the following:
- Market Abuses
- Social Injustices
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India Consumer Protection Act, 2020
The India Consumer Protection Act came into force on 20 July 2020, and replaced the older Consumer Protection Act of 1986. Some of the essential details of this Act are as follows:
- This Act has changed the way to settle customer disputes and administration.
- In addition, this Act enforces a strict jail term for adulteration of foodstuffs and any misleading advertisements made by sellers.
- Among other things, this Act also proposes the setting up of a CCPA (Central Consumer Protection Authority) for the promotion and the enforcement of the rights of a consumer as a whole class.
- CCPA can also intervene to protect customers from unfair trade practices.
- Moreover, this body can enforce recall, return of products and demand refunds.
- A consumer can also file complaints with the CCPA. They do not need to hire lawyers for their case.
Consumers International
Consumers International is an organisation for consumer groups worldwide. It was founded on 1 April 1960 with over 250 member organisations across 120 countries. This foundation’s head office is in London, England. Moreover, it has regional offices in Latin America, Africa, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.
Celebrating this day as a consumer means one has awareness about consumer rights. Moreover, it is also a day that marks solidarity with the international consumer movement.
There are other Important days and dates of national and international importance, integral from the UPSC prelims and other government exams.
Note: UPSC 2023 is approaching closer, supplement your preparation with the free UPSC Study Materials by BYJU’S.
Start your IAS Exam preparation by understanding the UPSC Syllabus in-depth and planning your approach accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions about World Consumer Rights Day
Can celebrities be jailed for promoting products that are misleading?
Officials do not have to jail celebrities, but they can ban them from promoting misleading products for up to 3 years and penalise up to Rs. 50 lakh, according to the Consumer Protection Act 2019.
What is product liability?
Under product liability, a manufacturer or service provider must now compensate persons if their products cause any injury or damage by producing a defective product or providing faulty services.
What is the penalty for a false or misleading advertisement?
For misleading or false advertisements, officials can impose a penalty of up to Rs. 10 lakh rupees or a jail term of 2 years on brands (manufacturers, sellers, or publishers).
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