Question

Describe the Evolution of Consumer Movement in India.

Answer 1

• Due to shortage of food, hoarding, black marketing, adulteration of edible oil and food, there was rampant exploitation of consumers. Hence, it gave rise to the consumer movement in the 1960 s. This movement was in an organised form.
• There was no legal system in India to protect the consumers in the marketplace which resulted in rampant exploitation.
• In 1986, the Consumer Protection Act was enacted by the Government of India. This was a crucial step in the evolution of the consumer movement in India to protect the rights of the consumers. This law is usually known as COPRA.
• Under the provision of COPRA, a three-tier quasi judicial system was established at the district, national and state levels. This was done to redress the consumer grievances.