NCERT Class 10 Economics | Chapter 5: Consumer Rights – Solutions

Chapter 5: Consumer Rights

Complete NCERT Solutions | Class 10 Social Science Economics – Understanding Economic Development
Quick Revision
OverviewChapter Summary
What is this chapter mainly about?
Answer:
This chapter explains why consumers need protection in the marketplace. It discusses consumer exploitation, unfair trade practices, consumer movement in India, Consumer Protection Act, consumer rights, consumer redressal commissions, quality certification marks and the duties of consumers. The chapter also shows that consumer awareness and active participation are necessary for making markets fair.
Key IdeaDefinition
Who is a consumer?
Answer:
A consumer is a person who buys goods or services for personal use. Consumers participate in the market when they purchase final goods and services such as food, clothes, transport, education, healthcare, electricity, banking or mobile services.
Key Concepts
Concept 1Consumer Exploitation
What is consumer exploitation?
Answer:
Consumer exploitation means unfair treatment of consumers by sellers, producers or service providers. It may happen through underweight goods, adulteration, defective products, overcharging, false information, poor service, hidden charges, misleading advertisements or refusal to replace defective goods.
Concept 2Need for Rules
Why are rules and regulations needed in the marketplace?
Answer:
Rules and regulations are needed because individual consumers are often in a weak position. Sellers may shift all responsibility to buyers after the sale is completed. Powerful producers and large companies may manipulate markets through false claims, poor quality, hidden charges or unsafe products. Rules protect consumers and make sellers accountable.
Concept 3Consumer Movement
What is the consumer movement?
Answer:
The consumer movement is a social movement that arose to protect consumers from unethical and unfair trade practices. In India, it developed due to food shortages, hoarding, black marketing, adulteration and lack of legal protection. It created awareness and pushed the government to make laws for consumer protection.
Consumer Rights
RightsSix Major Rights
Major rights of consumers in India.
Consumer Right Meaning Example
Right to Safety Protection against goods and services hazardous to life and property. Safe pressure cookers, medicines, LPG cylinders and electrical appliances.
Right to Information Right to know details such as price, ingredients, expiry date, batch number and manufacturer details. Checking MRP, expiry date and ingredients on a packet.
Right to Choice Freedom to choose goods or services without forced buying. A shopkeeper cannot force a buyer to buy a toothbrush with toothpaste.
Right to Redressal Right to seek compensation against unfair trade practices or exploitation. Filing a complaint for defective goods or poor service.
Right to Representation Right to present one’s case in consumer commissions. A consumer filing a case before District, State or National Commission.
Right to Consumer Education Right to acquire knowledge and skills to become an informed consumer. Learning about bills, certification marks, expiry dates and complaint process.
In-text Questions and Activities
ITQ 1Marketplace
What are the various ways by which people may be exploited in the market?
Answer:
People may be exploited in the market in the following ways:
1. Selling adulterated goods.
2. Selling defective goods.
3. Weighing less than the correct quantity.
4. Charging more than the MRP.
5. Adding hidden charges.
6. Making false claims through advertisements.
7. Refusing replacement or refund for defective goods.
8. Providing poor-quality services after taking full payment.
ITQ 2Personal Example
Think of one example from your experience where you thought that there was some cheating in the market.
Suggested Answer:
One example is buying a packet of snacks where the quantity inside was much less than expected, though the packet looked large. Another example is a shopkeeper charging more than the printed MRP. Such cases show why consumers should check weight, price, expiry date and bills carefully.
ITQ 3Government Role
What should be the role of government to protect consumers?
Answer:
The government should make and enforce laws to protect consumers. It should monitor quality standards, punish unfair trade practices, make certification compulsory for essential products, spread awareness, set up consumer commissions, ensure quick redressal of complaints and regulate misleading advertisements.
ITQ 4Consumer Groups
What could have been the steps taken by consumer groups?
Answer:
Consumer groups could create awareness, publish articles, hold exhibitions, guide consumers about complaint procedures, support affected consumers, file cases, monitor ration shops and transport services, expose unfair practices and pressurise firms and government agencies to follow consumer protection rules.
ITQ 5Rules Not Followed
There may be rules and regulations but they are often not followed. Why?
Answer:
Rules are often not followed because enforcement is weak, consumers are not fully aware of their rights, sellers try to increase profits, many purchases are small and informal, consumers may not keep bills, complaint procedures may be time-consuming, and penalties may not always be strong enough to discourage unfair practices.
ITQ 6Safety Rules
For products/services such as LPG cylinder, cinema theatre, medicines and high-rise buildings, what safety rules should be observed by producers?
Answer:
Product / Service Safety Rules Required
LPG Cylinder Leak-proof cylinder, proper seal, correct weight, safety valve and clear instructions.
Cinema Theatre Fire exits, emergency lights, fire extinguishers, crowd control and safe electrical wiring.
Medicines Expiry date, batch number, dosage instructions, warning labels and safe packaging.
Edible Oil Pure ingredients, proper packaging, FSSAI/Agmark certification and no adulteration.
High-rise Building Fire safety system, strong structure, emergency stairs, lifts inspected regularly and evacuation plan.
ITQ 7MRP
When we buy commodities, the price charged is sometimes higher or lower than the MRP printed on the pack. Discuss the possible reasons. Should consumer groups do something about this?
Answer:
A price lower than MRP may be due to discounts, offers, clearance sale or bargaining. A price higher than MRP may be due to cheating, shortage, illegal charging or lack of consumer awareness. Consumer groups should create awareness that MRP is the maximum retail price and sellers cannot legally charge more than it. Consumers should demand bills and complain against overcharging.
ITQ 8RTI
People complain about lack of civic amenities but no one listens. Now the RTI Act gives you the power to question. Do you agree?
Answer:
Yes, the RTI Act gives citizens the right to ask government departments for information. People can ask why roads are not repaired, why water supply is irregular, how public money was used, or why services are delayed. RTI increases transparency and accountability, though people must still actively use it and follow up on complaints.
ITQ 9Offers
Which catchy advertisements or offers would really benefit consumers?
Answer:
Offers that clearly give extra quantity or real price benefit are more useful, such as “15 gm more in every 500 gm pack.” Offers like “scratch and win” or “win a gold coin” may attract consumers but often benefit only a few people. Consumers should compare price, quantity, quality and usefulness before buying any product on offer.
Consumer Redressal System
Three-tier SystemDistrict / State / National
Explain the three-tier consumer disputes redressal machinery.
Answer:
Level Commission Claims Handled
District Level District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Cases involving claims up to Rs 1 crore.
State Level State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Cases involving claims between Rs 1 crore and Rs 10 crore.
National Level National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Cases involving claims exceeding Rs 10 crore.

If a case is dismissed at the district level, a consumer can appeal to the State Commission and then to the National Commission.
Certification Marks
Quality MarksISI / Agmark / Hallmark / FSSAI
Important certification marks for consumers.
Mark / Logo Used For Purpose
ISI Mark Industrial and manufactured products. Shows that the product follows quality and safety standards.
Agmark Agricultural products such as cereals, pulses, spices and edible oil. Certifies quality of agricultural goods.
Hallmark Gold and silver jewellery. Certifies purity of precious metals.
FSSAI / +F Food products and fortified foods. Shows food safety standards and fortification where applicable.
ISO Certification Organisations, services and management systems. Certifies that an organisation follows internationally accepted standards.
Exercises – NCERT Questions
1Long Answer
Why are rules and regulations required in the marketplace? Illustrate with a few examples.
Answer:
Rules and regulations are required in the marketplace to protect consumers from unfair trade practices. Consumers usually buy in small quantities and are scattered, while producers and sellers may be powerful and organised. Without rules, sellers may cheat consumers by selling defective goods, adulterated products, underweight items or goods above MRP.

For example, a shopkeeper may sell expired medicine, a company may make false claims in advertisements, or a trader may use faulty weights. Rules make producers and sellers responsible for quality, safety, correct information and fair treatment of consumers.
2Long Answer
What factors gave birth to the consumer movement in India? Trace its evolution.
Answer:
The consumer movement in India arose because consumers were dissatisfied with unfair and unethical trade practices. Food shortages, hoarding, black marketing, adulteration of food and edible oil, defective goods and lack of legal protection gave birth to the consumer movement.

In the 1960s, the movement began in an organised form. During the 1970s, consumer organisations mainly wrote articles, held exhibitions and created awareness. They also formed groups to check malpractices in ration shops and overcrowding in transport. In 1986, the Consumer Protection Act was enacted. It created consumer redressal mechanisms and gave legal recognition to consumer rights. The Act was later strengthened to include newer forms of transactions such as online purchases.
3Short Answer
Explain the need for consumer consciousness by giving two examples.
Answer:
Consumer consciousness is needed because alert consumers can protect themselves from exploitation.

Example 1: While buying packaged food, consumers should check expiry date, ingredients, MRP and manufacturing details. This prevents purchase of unsafe or expired goods.

Example 2: Consumers should ask for a bill after buying a product. If the product is defective, the bill becomes proof for replacement, refund or complaint.
4Short Answer
Mention a few factors which cause exploitation of consumers.
Answer:
Factors causing consumer exploitation include:
1. Lack of consumer awareness.
2. Limited choice in the market.
3. False or misleading advertisements.
4. Poor enforcement of rules.
5. Powerful producers and weak individual consumers.
6. Non-issue of bills and cash memos.
7. Sale of adulterated, defective or unsafe products.
8. Hidden charges and overpricing.
5Short Answer
What is the rationale behind the enactment of Consumer Protection Act 1986?
Answer:
The Consumer Protection Act 1986 was enacted to protect consumers from exploitation and unfair trade practices. Earlier, consumers had no simple legal system to seek justice. The Act provided legal recognition to consumer rights and created consumer disputes redressal commissions at district, state and national levels. It enabled consumers to seek compensation for defective goods, poor services and unfair practices.
6Duties
Describe some of your duties as consumers if you visit a shopping complex in your locality.
Answer:
Duties of consumers include:
1. Check MRP, expiry date and manufacturing date.
2. Read ingredients and usage instructions.
3. Look for certification marks such as ISI, Agmark, Hallmark or FSSAI.
4. Compare price and quality before buying.
5. Ask for a bill or cash memo.
6. Avoid buying defective or unsafe goods.
7. Do not get misled by attractive advertisements.
8. Complain if cheated or exploited.
7Certification
Suppose you buy a bottle of honey and a biscuit packet. Which logo or mark will you have to look for and why?
Answer:
For a bottle of honey and a biscuit packet, we should look for food safety and quality marks such as FSSAI and, where applicable, Agmark. These marks indicate that the food product follows safety and quality standards. We should also check the expiry date, ingredients, batch number, net weight and MRP.
8Legal Measures
What legal measures were taken by the government to empower the consumers in India?
Answer:
The government enacted the Consumer Protection Act in 1986, popularly known as COPRA. It provided legal recognition to consumer rights and created a three-tier quasi-judicial system at district, state and national levels for consumer disputes. Separate Departments of Consumer Affairs were set up at central and state levels. The law was later strengthened to include online purchases, defective products, service deficiency, mediation and penalties for unfair practices.
9Rights
Mention some of the rights of consumers and write a few sentences on each.
Answer:
Right to Safety: Consumers have the right to be protected against unsafe goods and services.

Right to Information: Consumers have the right to know price, ingredients, expiry date, manufacturer details and risks of a product.

Right to Choice: Consumers should be free to choose goods and services without being forced to buy something else.

Right to Redressal: Consumers can seek compensation for defective goods, poor services or unfair trade practices.

Right to Representation: Consumers can present their cases before consumer commissions.

Right to Consumer Education: Consumers have the right to acquire knowledge to become aware and responsible buyers.
10Solidarity
By what means can the consumers express their solidarity?
Answer:
Consumers can express solidarity by forming consumer organisations, joining consumer awareness campaigns, sharing information about unfair practices, filing complaints collectively, supporting affected consumers, participating in consumer clubs, observing National Consumers’ Day, demanding fair market practices and spreading awareness through posters, meetings and social media.
11Critical Answer
Critically examine the progress of consumer movement in India.
Answer:
The consumer movement in India has made important progress. Consumer groups have increased, awareness has spread, consumer rights have received legal recognition, and consumer commissions have been established at district, state and national levels. National Consumers’ Day is observed on 24 December, and government advertisements spread awareness about rights and complaint procedures.

However, progress is still slow. The redressal process can be expensive, time-consuming and cumbersome. Consumers often do not keep bills or evidence. Many consumers are still unaware of their rights. Enforcement of market rules is weak, especially in small retail markets. Therefore, the consumer movement still needs active participation from consumers, stronger enforcement and faster redressal.
Exercises – Match the Following
12Matching
Match the following.
Answer:
Item Correct Match
Availing details of ingredients of a product Right to information
Agmark Certification of edible oil and cereals
Accident due to faulty engine in a scooter Right to safety
District Consumer Commission Dealing with consumer cases
Food fortification Addition of key nutrients to staple foods
Consumers International Global level institution of consumer welfare organisations
Bureau of Indian Standards Agency that develops standards for goods and services
Exercises – True or False
13True / False
Say True or False.
Answer:
Statement Answer Correction / Reason
COPRA applies only to goods. False It applies to both goods and services.
India is one of the many countries in the world which has exclusive authorities established for consumer disputes redressal. True India has a separate consumer redressal system.
When a consumer feels that he has been exploited, he must file a case in the District Consumer Commission. False The consumer may first complain to the seller, take help from consumer organisations, or file a case in the appropriate commission depending on the claim.
It is worthwhile to move to consumer commissions only if the damages incurred are of high value. False Consumers can complain even for smaller claims, though practical difficulties may exist.
Hallmark is the certification maintained for standardisation of jewellery. True Hallmark certifies purity of gold and silver jewellery.
The consumer redressal process is very simple and quick. False It can be cumbersome, expensive and time-consuming.
A consumer has the right to get compensation depending on the degree of the damage. True Compensation depends on the nature and extent of damage suffered.
Activity Answers
Activity 1Categorise Rights
Categorise the following cases under different consumer rights.
Answer:
Case Consumer Right
Lata got an electric shock from a newly purchased iron. Right to safety
John files a case against poor telecom service. Right to redressal
Your friend was sold expired medicine and you advise her to complain. Right to redressal
Iqbal checks all particulars on the pack before buying. Right to information
You are unable to switch cable operators. Right to choice
You complain persistently to the head office for a defective camera. Right to representation
Activity 2Order Arrangement
Arrange the steps in the correct order for Arita’s consumer complaint.
Answer:
Correct order:

(g) She purchases a wall clock from a retail outlet.
(c) She realises that the dealer has given her defective material.
(e) She goes and complains to the dealer and the branch office, to no effect.
(a) Arita files a case in the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
(b) She engages a professional person.
(f) She is asked to produce the bill and warranty before the commission.
(d) She starts attending the commission proceedings.
(h) The commission orders the dealer to replace the old wall clock with a new one at no extra cost.
Activity 3Poster Content
Draft a poster covering all consumer rights.
Sample Poster Content:

BE AN ALERT CONSUMER!

Know your rights before you buy:
1. Right to Safety
2. Right to Information
3. Right to Choice
4. Right to Redressal
5. Right to Representation
6. Right to Consumer Education

Always check MRP, expiry date, quantity, ingredients and certification marks.
Always ask for a bill.
Do not ignore cheating. File a complaint.

Slogan: An alert consumer is a safe consumer.
Activity 4Complaint Letter
Write a letter on behalf of Mrs. Krishna to the Consumer Commission regarding a defective colour television under warranty.
Sample Letter:

To,
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission,
[Your District Name]

Subject: Complaint regarding defective colour television under warranty

Respected Sir/Madam,

I purchased a colour television from [Shop Name] on [Date] with a warranty of six months. The television stopped working after three months. I complained to the dealer, and an engineer was sent to repair it. However, the television continued to give trouble. I made repeated complaints, but the dealer has not responded properly.

I request the Commission to direct the dealer to replace the television or refund the amount paid by me. I also request suitable compensation for inconvenience caused.

I am enclosing copies of the bill, warranty card and complaint records.

Yours faithfully,
Mrs. Krishna
[Address]
[Contact Number]
Project / Survey Work
Project 1Consumer Survey
Conduct a consumer awareness survey in your locality.
Sample Survey Format:
Question Always Sometimes Never
Do you insist on a bill?
Do you keep the bill carefully?
Do you check MRP before buying?
Do you check expiry date?
Do you look for ISI, Agmark or Hallmark?
Do you complain if cheated?
Do you compare prices before buying?

Conclusion: Consumers who check bills, MRP, expiry date and certification marks are more aware. Awareness campaigns are needed for consumers who do not complain or do not know their rights.
Project 2Consumer Club
Suggest activities for a consumer club in school.
Suggested Activities:
1. Organise consumer awareness workshops.
2. Display posters on consumer rights.
3. Check whether the school canteen displays price and expiry details.
4. Conduct surveys on consumer awareness.
5. Invite a consumer rights expert for a talk.
6. Teach students how to file complaints.
7. Celebrate National Consumers’ Day on 24 December.
8. Prepare street plays on unfair trade practices.
Key Terms
GlossaryImportant Terms
Important terms from the chapter.
Term Meaning
ConsumerA person who buys goods or services for personal use.
Consumer RightsLegal and moral rights that protect consumers in the marketplace.
Consumer ExploitationUnfair treatment of consumers through defective goods, overpricing, false claims or poor service.
Unfair Trade PracticeAny dishonest or deceptive practice used by sellers to mislead consumers.
MRPMaximum Retail Price; the highest price at which a product can be sold.
AdulterationMixing harmful or inferior substances with a product.
Consumer MovementA social movement to protect and promote consumer interests.
COPRAConsumer Protection Act, enacted in 1986 to protect consumer rights.
Right to SafetyRight to be protected from hazardous goods and services.
Right to InformationRight to know complete details of goods and services before buying.
Right to ChoiceRight to choose freely from available goods and services.
Right to RedressalRight to seek compensation against unfair trade practices or exploitation.
Right to RepresentationRight to present one’s case before consumer commissions.
Right to Consumer EducationRight to acquire knowledge and skills to become an informed consumer.
Consumer CommissionA redressal body that deals with consumer disputes.
ISI MarkCertification mark for quality and safety of industrial products.
AgmarkCertification mark for quality of agricultural products.
HallmarkCertification mark for purity of gold and silver jewellery.
RTI ActRight to Information Act, 2005, which gives citizens the right to seek information from government departments.
National Consumers’ DayObserved in India on 24 December.

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