case study on consumer awareness for project

Top 10 Case Study on Consumer Rights

We know consumer laws and courts exist, but only by reading through some case law can you understand how you as a consumer can exercise your rights!

Table of Contents

On an everyday basis, we purchase products and services. From our basic necessities like food and clothing to services like banking and education, we are dependent on companies and organisations to live comfortably in the present day, and we give them our hard-earned money in return. But sometimes, companies might fail to provide quality services or products. Many know there exist consumer courts and laws that protect consumers from consumer exploitation . But have you ever wondered who goes to these courts and what types of cases are filed? You would be surprised to know how basic these cases can be. So, here are 10 interesting case study on consumer rights curated for you.

Top 10 Case Studies on Consumer Rights

1. banks can’t always escape using ‘technical difficulties’.

We have come to rely on banks so much. A recent case study on consumer rights highlighted the need for stronger regulations. More than ever, most of our transactions are digital and heavily reliant on banks for these. Have you ever had your transaction fail due to the server being down or other errors?

Dipika Pallikal, a squash champion and Arjuna awardee found herself in an awkward situation when she used her Axis Bank Debit Card in a hotel at Netherlands’ Rotterdam failed. She had had 10 times the bill amount in her account at that time. Due to this, she faced a loss of reputation and humiliation. The bank said the incident was a case of ‘ Force Majeure’ (an act of god/ something beyond control)

Apart from that, the bank had also returned a cheque of ₹1 lakh issued to her by the government of India and blamed it on a technical error.

Dipika moved the consumer court in Chennai against Axis Bank

Court Decision

The court found that there was a deficiency of service on the part of Axis Bank and directed the bank to pay a compensation of ₹5 lakh and ₹5000 as expenses.

Key Takeaway

Banks are like any other service provider. We trust them with our money and they must perform the services we were promised. They cannot hide behind ‘technical difficulties’ or ‘ force majeure ’ and let customers suffer for it.

2. You Don’t Have to Be a Celebrity to Win a Consumer Case

A humble tea vendor, Rajesh Sakre, is an example of this. He had ₹20,000 in his State Bank of India account and had withdrawn ₹10,800. On his next visit to the ATM, however, he realized all his money was gone. When he asked the bank authorities they blamed it on him. 

So, he went to the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum with his grievance. He couldn’t afford a lawyer and he argued the case himself. This case study on consumer awareness presents insights into how consumers are becoming more vigilant.

The forum ruled in his favor and ordered the State Bank of India to return the ₹9,200 with 6% interest, pay ₹10,000 as compensation for mental anguish caused by the issue, and ₹2,000 for legal expenses.

It doesn’t matter who you are, as long as you have a valid case you can approach the Consumer Cases Forum. And even big companies and government entities like the State Bank of India can be made to answer for their mistakes.

3. Not All Free Items Are Welcome

Imagine you bought a bottle of Pepsi and found a packet of gutka floating in it! It happened to Rajesh Rajan from Ahmedabad when he bought Pepsi from a local store. He sent a legal notice for defective goods to the company immediately and approached a Consumer Cases Dispute Redressal Forum. Every case study on consumer complaints tells a unique story of a consumer’s journey towards justice.

Moreover, he claimed that there was a deficiency in service that could have caused a health hazard to him. He demanded compensation of ₹5 lakh for the same.

The consumer forum passed an order in favor of Rajesh Rajan and directed the company to pay a total of ₹4008 (₹4000 for compensation and ₹8 for the Pepsi he purchased).

Rajesh moved the State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, asking for higher compensation as ₹4008 was too low and he had spent ₹500 on sample testing itself. The State Commission passed an order asking the company to pay ₹20,000 as compensation and ₹2000 towards costs as it found Rajesh’s argument reasonable.

Free items are not all welcome! It is a deficiency in service on the part of the provider if you find anything in your food (packaged or otherwise) that isn’t supposed to be there. The Consumer Cases Forums are a good place to take them.

4. Paying More Than the MRP? You Shouldn’t.

It has become common to charge more than the maximum retail price (MRP) for packaged goods. Especially in places like theatres, food courts, railway stations, etc, we see this happen a lot and mostly ignore it. Among the prominent consumer cases last year, the MRP case stood out for its complexity

Mr Kondaiah from Andhra Pradesh, on the other hand, didn’t ignore it when he noticed that Sarvi Food Court charged him ₹40 for a water bottle where the MRP was ₹20. He filed a case against them in the District Consumer cases Disputes Redressal Forum for ‘unfair trade practice’. He supported his claim by producing the bill. The MRP case study on consumer rights brought to light some gaps in the existing regulations.

The court decided in favour of Mr Kondaiah and said that a practice is not justified just because it is widely common. Mr Kondaiah was awarded a compensation of ₹20,000, ₹20 (the extra money charged) and ₹5,000 in costs. 

No authority has the power to charge above the MRP for any packaged goods. It doesn’t matter where it is sold, you are not required to pay a rupee above the MRP.

5. No MRP at All on the Product?

Baglekar Akash Kumar, a 19-year-old got a book and ₹12,500 because of the book. How? He purchased the book online and when it was delivered, he noticed that there was no MRP mentioned in it. He browsed the internet and saw that the book was sold at different prices in different places.

So, he went to the consumer cases forum and filed a case against Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd and the paper company.

The court held that not publishing MRP on the product without a valid reason is an ‘unfair trade practice’. MRP exists to ensure that a consumer is not overcharged for the product. So, it is mandatory for companies to print MRP.

The publishers were asked to print the retail price of the book and Akash was awarded ₹10,000 as compensation and ₹2,500 as costs.

It is required under law for companies to put MRP on every product. If you see a product without MRP, then it is a violation of Consumer Cases Protection Laws and you can take them to court. 

6. Medical Services Fall Within the Scope of the CPA

Do medical services fall under CPA? When there was a little confusion in this regard, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) decided to get this question resolved once and for all. The CPA case study on consumer rights brought to light some gaps in the existing regulations. The Medical Services case study on consumer complaints became a landmark case in consumer rights advocacy.

IMA approached the Supreme Court, asking them to declare that medical services are out of the scope of the CPA. They gave the following arguments to support their claim:

• Medical professionals are governed by their own code of ethics made by the Medical Council of India. 
• In the medical profession, it is hard to guarantee the end result of treatments. Many external factors which are out of the control of the professional can impact the outcome. So, allowing consumer claims will cause people to file a case whenever a treatment doesn’t work out.
• There are no medical science experts in the consumer complaints online.
• Medical service provided by government hospitals will not fall under the Act especially when the service is provided for free. 

These were decent points. After consideration, the court settled the claims in the following manner.

Medical services provided by any professional (private or government) will be covered by CPA. This means  people can file a case in a Consumer Court if the service provided is not in confirmation with the Act.

• Doctors and hospitals who treat patients for free cannot be sued by a person who availed their services for free. 
• In a government hospital, where services are provided free of charge – the Consumer Protection Act India would not apply.

Apart from these two exceptions, the Act will apply when a person gets treated in government hospitals for free, when a poor person gets treated for free, and when insurance money is used for treatment.

7. Tired of the False Claims Made by Skin and Hair Care Products Yet?

Maybe you are not tired yet or you are too tired to question. However, a 67-year-old man from Kerala’s remotest areas was tired of these consistent lies and how companies got away with them.

In 2015, K Chaathu complained against Indulekha (beauty product manufacturers) and Mammootty (an actor who was the brand ambassador of the company) for putting up misleading ads. The tagline of the soap was ‘soundaryam ningale thedi varum’ which meant ‘beauty will come in search of you. The ads also claimed that people using the soap would become ‘fair’ and ‘beautiful’ but the 67-year-old didn’t become fair or beautiful.

Funny, right?

Compensation Paid

Indulekha paid him ₹30,000 in an out of court settlement while the initial claim of Chaathu was ₹50,000. When he was asked about this, he said that this case was never about the money but about how these companies put up advertisements every day with false claims. And it is not okay to let these people get away with it.

Key Takeaways

Advertisements are made to sell the products, so exaggeration of results is too common. But this doesn’t make it okay to make false claims just for the sake of selling the products. Making false claims in violation of the CTA.

8. Homebuyers Are Consumers

Imagine you decide to buy a house (a dream come true for many). You do a lot of research, pool your hard-earned money, and pay a real estate developer to build the house for you. They promise to deliver within 42 months but 4 years later they haven’t even started construction. 

This is what happened to two people and they decided to move the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) for it. The Homebuyer’s case study on consumer rights was instrumental in changing local regulations.

NCDRC decided in favour of the homebuyers and asked the real estate developer to refund the money with a simple interest of 9% per annum. They were also awarded a compensation of ₹50,000 each.

The real estate developer challenged this in the Supreme Court, saying that the issue is covered under another Act (Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act) and therefore cannot be taken in a consumer court. But the Supreme Court denied their argument saying that as long as the other Act explicitly stops people from getting remedy under other laws, they will be allowed to do so.

Our laws are in such a way that even though there are other remedies available, in most cases where you are a buyer of a product or a service, you will have protection under the Consumer Protection Act. 

9. Insurance Claims Cannot be Rejected on Mere Technicalities

We pay the premium and get insurance to protect us from losses we can’t foresee. Sadly, many people have had bad experiences with the insurance company. Om Prakash, for example, had his truck stolen and claimed insurance for the same. The truck was stolen on 23.03.2010, the FIR was filed on 24.03.2010, and the insurance claim was filed on 31.03.2010. 

The insurance investigator was sent and he confirmed that the claim was genuine. The claim was approved for the amount of ₹7,85,000/-. But the amount was never given to Om Prakash. With the rise in consumer court cases , companies are now more cautious about their policies and practices. When he sent the insurance company a legal notice for the same, they replied saying that there was a breach of terms and conditions: 

“immediate information to the Insurer about the loss/theft of the vehicle”

Om Prakash was late to apply for insurance because he was held up by the police to try and recover his vehicle.

While the consumer courts didn’t allow his case, the Supreme Court allowed his appeal and held in favour of him. It was ruled that insurance companies cannot escape from paying the claimants on technical grounds. Especially when the claimant has valid reasons for it.

The Court directed the Respondent company to pay a sum of ₹8,35,000/- to the Appellant along with interest @ 8% per annum. He was also awarded ₹50,000 as compensation.

Over the years, many judgments have been made to ensure that insurance companies are accountable and do not escape from paying valid claims. If you experience a similar situation with your insurance provided, you can approach the consumer court.  

10. iPhone 5S Gold for ₹68 + ₹10,000

Let’s close the list with a fun one! How would it be to get an iPhone at just ₹68? In 2014, Nikhil Bansal (a student) saw this unbelievable offer on Snapdeal (a discount of ₹46,651) and ordered it immediately as any sane person would. He received an order confirmation but later he was told that the order was canceled. They claimed that the offer itself was a technical glitch. “The iPhone case study on consumer complaint showcased the challenges consumers face even in today’s digital age.

When he approached the e-commerce consumer complaints India Forum, he claimed that these kinds of offers were misleading people and it was the duty of Snapdeal to honour the order. The forum ruled in his favor and asked Snapdeal to deliver him the iPhone for ₹68 and asked him to pay a compensation of ₹2,000.

When Snapdeal appealed this order, the compensation was raised to ₹10,000! 

Key Takeaway – Case Study on Consumer Rights

E-commerce stores are just as answerable as any other shop owner under the Consumer Protection Act. So if you face any issues like this with them, consider taking it to the consumer court. Through each case study on consumer rights, we can learn more about our rights and responsibilities

Consumer forums exist to protect consumers from consumer exploitation and ensure that we are not cheated by the companies we pay for getting products or services. Knowing your rights is the first step towards becoming a conscious consumer. 

Don’t hesitate to approach the consumer court if you have a valid claim of consumer exploitation . Even if it is for an ₹ 8 product like Pepsi, a valid claim should be taken to the forum.

What is the Consumer Protection Act?

The Consumer Protection Act is a law that safeguards the interests of consumers against unfair trade practices and ensures their rights to quality goods and services.

When was the Consumer Protection Act passed?

The Consumer Protection Act was passed in 1986 and later updated with the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Who is a consumer under the Consumer Protection Act?

A consumer is any individual who purchases goods or services for personal use, not for manufacturing or resale.

Who can file a complaint under the Consumer Protection Act?

A complaint can be filed by a consumer, any recognized consumer association, or the Central or State Government on behalf of a consumer.

What is a consumer rights case study?

A consumer rights case study involves analyzing a real-life scenario where a consumer faced issues with a product or service and sought legal resolution under consumer protection laws.

What are consumer cases in India?

Consumer cases in India refer to legal disputes brought by consumers against businesses for grievances related to defective goods, poor services, or unfair trade practices.

What are some examples of consumer rights?

Examples of consumer rights include the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, the right to be heard, and the right to redressal.

What is the consumer rights class 10 project?

The consumer rights class 10 project typically involves students researching and presenting on the various rights of consumers and how they are protected under the law.

Who is a consumer class 10 SST project?

In the class 10 Social Science (SST) project, a consumer is defined as an individual who purchases goods or services for personal use and is protected under consumer laws.

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4 Essential Objectives to Guide Your Consumer Insights Project

2020 has undoubtedly shaken up businesses of different industries and sizes, especially those that heavily relied on foot traffic for revenue and upkeep that dissipated at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Retail stores, food establishments, and recreation centers were among some of the industries that were most gravely impacted, with social distancing and store opening restrictions resulting in up to 90% decline in customer activity for some countries.

While Covid-19 has certainly been the blight of most businesses struggling to diversify their offerings, enterprising leaders need to display strong business acumen in adapting to new consumer demands and behavior in order to withstand this tumultuous period. However, where physical retail was upended, a global study by Salesforce revealed that 58% of consumers now expect to do more online shopping than they did in the pre-pandemic period, with a majority having an elevated expectation of digital services and company values in response to purchasing consideration.

This new shift in consumer spending is likely to stick beyond 2020, with businesses exploring new ways to improve their customer experiences online, from social shopping to live-streaming. Benefits are twofold: getting closer to your customer base while turning prospects into advocates. 

Receive a free copy of our guide 11 Ways to Supercharge Consumer Insights with Social Media Listening to stay inspired with the latest business practices by following these 11 case studies to boost customer-centrality.

With social data at the helm of your consumer research , you can fine-tune your business strategies with data-driven insights that accurately unveil more of your customers’ needs and wants. In addition, social listening enables you to keep track of online conversations surrounding your brand and create relevancy with key trends in the market. 

As a start, here are 4 objectives you should set for monitoring social data to supercharge your consumer insights projects in a post-Covid reality.

• Better understand new expectations and behaviors
• Capture new concerns of customers
• Identify unmet customer needs that have emerged
• Understand where your brand stands in your current market

1. Better Understand New Expectations And Behaviors

Noticed something different in the way your customers are interacting with your brand? Or have their expectations shifted? With the pandemic keeping outdoor activities to a minimum, customers have adapted to new social regulations, prioritized spending on home luxuries and electronics , and are increasingly seeking at-home entertainment .

Just like when TV ads became synonymous with prime time programming, social media is filled with sponsored content and offers with every swipe and click. In a pandemic-stricken 2020 with more consumers shopping and interacting online than ever, brands are incentivized to leverage social intelligence to collect data on new consumer behaviors and act on emerging  opportunities by monitoring key trends.

It’s important to use social data to help you develop buyer personas to guide you toward creating customer experiences and marketing strategies that engage and resonate. You can use social data to analyze the following: 

• Key topics of interest
• Sentiments and emotions
• Purchase intentions and barriers to purchase
• Product feedback, and 
• Complaints and comments specific to each type 

From here, start matching data gathered from social listening tools with other sets of data, such as socio-demographic data to each customer type, to help you personalize approaches to best serve and engage them.

2. Capture New Concerns Of Customers

While marketers and insights teams tend to associate “social media listening” with just that – listening to conversations on social media networks, don’t forget that tools like Digimind Social are capable of monitoring mentions on public forums too! And that’s a good place to start listening to consumer discussions.

As most forums comprise audiences from a specific sub-group or community, you can focus your monitoring efforts on gleaning concerns, behaviors, and preferences on groups specific to your industry. For example, a cosmetics company would turn to online beauty forums and even communities around makeup gurus.

When looking out for new customer concerns, behaviors, and expectations that have emerged, be sure to watch for these signals on your social listening platform:

• What areas did customers previously not talk about, and are now scrutinizing closely on social media?
• What new factors have emerged to change or impede your customer’s journey?

Prioritizing these questions will be key to driving customer loyalty and satisfaction in the long run. This brings us to our next point. 

3. Identify Unmet Customer Needs That Have Emerged

In a similar vein, identifying unmet customer needs is another objective that is crucial for your social listening project. As Covid-19 has proven, it’s not a matter of if, but when customer habits will change. Moreover, these newfound habits and needs will likely stick around for a long time.

Plugging unmet business gaps will help to optimize your customers’ journey as you remove hindrances and points of friction that otherwise prevent customers from making that purchase. 

↪️ For example, are customers concerned about the increasing waste of single-use food packaging with more food delivery demand arising during lockdown? On social media, growing public sentiment about how brands can do more to reduce plastic throwaways brought new attention to incorporate this as a corporate social responsibility strategy. To accommodate consumers who factor this issue highly in their purchasing decision, Singapore’s food delivery giants, Foodpanda, Grabfood, and Deliveroo began pilot initiatives on offering reusable containers as an opt-in in consumer accounts. 

In order to be truly effective, consumer insights gleaned from social listening tools must be disseminated to relevant teams , so they can start to optimize your brand’s products and services. This is even more important in the 'Age of the Customer', when consumers are faced with a myriad of choices, and can easily take their dollar vote to a competitor.

Social listening can help to signal new changes that are under the surface, develop strategies from key talking points, and facilitate product and service innovations ahead of your competitors. More importantly, it can empower businesses to continually deliver personalized user experiences tailored to their needs by staying in the loop of brand mentions on social media.

4. Understand Where Your Brand Stands In Your Current Market

Lastly, it’s important to look at your brand positioning on social media to gauge the impact of your brand campaigns when matched with the overall market visibility and receptivity. Utilizing a comparison chart like Digimind Social enables you to generate social figures for benchmarking, which helps to put into perspective the success of your marketing efforts.

Take note of where your brand stands amongst major players in the market by highlighting key statistics in terms of share of voice, sentiment, and reach . 

As a market leader in your industry, prioritizing a larger share of voice can get you closer to achieving ample brand exposure with minimal brand-awareness campaigns. While newer or smaller brands should ideally look at achieving a majority of positive sentiment about their brand or offerings to cement social reputation.

Leverage insights gleaned from brand positioning on social media to swiftly identify public perception surrounding your brand. For example, a 60% positive sentiment might look pretty average on its own. But if you compare this with your competitors who are only achieving around 45 - 55% positive sentiment, that helps you to see that your company has set the bar in achieving customer satisfaction on social media.

Staying Consumer-Driven

Providing enhanced improvements to customer experience can do more for your business in the long run as you keep your consumers progressing in their purchasing journey. Consumer insights allow you to easily identify consumer opportunities at the intersection of customer expectations and existing business offerings.

If you are looking for a comprehensive insight into successful case studies of social listening, key objectives for capturing consumer insights from social media, and social networks that are essential for monitoring, download our guide 11 Ways to Supercharge Consumer Insights with Social Media Listening.

Written by Jared Silitonga

Jared is a member of the APAC marketing team at Digimind. Besides hashing insights into content, he loves a good ol' sit-down of board gaming and film rhetoric. Catch him diving in other shenanigans on Instagram @jarrds

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Consumer Awareness – A Case Study of Jalna City

Each of us a consumer. We consume different commodities and services right from our birth to death. All the business activities revolve around the consumer. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi (1980) “a customer is the most important visitor on our premises, he is not dependent on us, we depend on him. He makes favour to us, not we favour him. ” Do the manufacturers, the marketers respect and satisfy the customers? Today’s customer is said to the kind of the market. Is this true? Due to lack of awareness consumers fall prey to unfair and fraudulent tactics of the marketers. The form of exploitation may be look- alike e.g. Lifebuoy-lifebuoy, less weight, inferior quality goods and services and exorbitant prices. So, there is need of creating consumer awareness in our country. Higher the consumer awareness, lower the exploitation and vice versa. The degree of consumer awareness determines the satisfaction levels and standard of living of the consumers. Consumer awareness may be defined as clearly understanding the need and priority of purchasing, conditions warranties of purchase agreement and rights and duties of consumers

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Consumers are the largest economic group in any country. They are the central point of all economic activities. But same consumers are the most voiceless group as they behave like a puppet and become captive of business activities. Though there has been a lot of buzz and activity in and around about the Consumer Protection

Green marketing refers to the process of selling products or services based on their environmental benefits such as the contribution to reducing environmental pollution and prevention of degradation. Such products are manufactured, packaged and marketed in an environmental friendly manner and process. Green marketing has emerged as one of the most important marketing techniques in the present global business environment. Consumers now have worries about the future environment of the world and as a result of this mostly prefer environment friendly products. In recognition of these concerns of consumers, companies have started to make their marketing strategies more appealing by offering environment-friendly products and promotions. Combination of appropriate marketing tools along with products and packaging can have a multiplier and accelerating effect in the conservation efforts. Today most of the companies adapt green marketing as environment protection tool. Present paper aims to analyze green marketing as Environment Protection Tools: Questionnaire was designed and piloted on predetermined sample of consumers of Dehradun with the motives of analyzing consumer behavior and their green consciousness in their purchase pattern. Study reveals that Green marketing is a materialization of a new market. The customers are becoming more eco-responsible and customers are concerned about environmental issues in new market. Different suggestions have been drawn out for consideration and implementation by green product marketing companies. It has been established through the present research that green marketing can have a profound influence in Green marketing efforts.

Over the past few years, social media has become more popular and account for a major portion of the time of internet users spent online. With the increase in the number of online users, advertisers are interested to explore and exploit the social media as a new and innovative platform for advertisement delivery. There are number of social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Youtube etc. Facebook is popular among the social media. The current study is focused on checking whether social media advertisements are misleading users, in their purchase decisions with special reference to Facebook. For the purpose of study, a convenient sampling survey was conducted among 110 respondents in Nilambur Municipality with the help of interview schedule. The tools used for this study are Percentage analysis; one way Anova, independent sample t-test. Study reveals that consumers have positive attitude towards advertisements through Facebook. Keywords: Social Media, Facebook, Advertisements, Decision Making.

Indus Foundation International Journals UGC Approved

Consumers are the largest economic group in any country. They are the central point of all economic activities. But same consumers are the most voiceless group as they behave like a puppet and become captive of business activities. Though there has been a lot of buzz and activity in and around about the Consumer Protection Act in last couple of years, it is yet to catch the desired pace. Present study is an attempt to study

IOSR Journals publish within 3 days

Abstract: Consumer behaviour refers to the behavior that consumers display in searching for , purchasing using , evaluating and disposing the products and services. Consumer behavior is important in helping to forecast and understand for products as well as brand preference. The present paper highlights the study of consumer behavior regarding instant food products among the consumers. The most dramatic change is the change in consumer demographics and demand preferences. Hence , an attempt has been made to analyse the consumer purchasing frequency for the instant food products. Further efforts have also been made to know the consumer awareness towards products and to analyse factors influencing the instant food products. Key words: Consumer behavior, Demographic, Instant food products

Dhyan Singh

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Consumer Awareness: Why It’s Necessary For Consumer Protection?

This article will understand the extent of consumer awareness through a data set of eighty urban households in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. The piece argues the importance of consumer awareness and the realisation of the same internationally and in various nation-states. Based on the data, Ritesh Singh draws a graphic analysis of consumer purchasing habits and their awareness regarding the same.

By Ritesh Singh , New Law College, Pune

Introduction 

In the globalisation, liberalisation and privatisation era, most economic decisions are taken by the market. Though the government has withdrawn itself from many economic activities,  it often interferes when the market mechanism fails due to structural rigidities in the economy and other factors to provide goods and services to the people.

Consumption is one of the essential economic activities, which requires regular government intervention,  as the market cannot be trusted to promote the consumers’ security and welfare. But, on the other hand, consumers have to be aware of the commercial aspects of the sale and purchase of goods and the health and security aspect. Besides this, they should be mindful of their rights and duties.

Though the first consumer movement began in  England after the  Second World War, US President John F. Kennedy made the modern declaration about consumer’s rights in 1962. His speech against consumer harassment and for awareness spiralled many laws that dedicatedly protected the consumers’ interests. This movement upheld consumer rights, like choice, information, safety, and the right to be heard, later recognised and codified as laws.

Following several consumer associations and long campaigns in several countries, the United Nations prepared a ‘Model Code for Consumer Protection’. Finally, drawing from Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United States Consumer Bill of Rights, the United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection (UNGCP) got drafted and adopted on April 16, 1985.

These guidelines were adopted to protect consumers, establishing a high level of ethical conduct for those engaged in producing and distributing goods and services.

India also constituted the Consumer Protection Act in 1986, established against adulterated and sub-standard products. Its promulgation on December 24 is celebrated as ‘Consumer’s Day’ every year.

Objectives of the Study

The study is based on the following objectives:

• To study the level of consumer awareness of the consumers in the study area
• To make the students habituated about the survey work.
• To make the students acquainted with how different statistical tools can be applied in different socio-economic problems.

As the name suggests, consumer awareness extends protection and knowledge for consumption. It could afford awareness to things like:

• Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
• Fair Price Shop.
• Consumer awareness about price, quality and expiry date of the product.
• certified products like ISI, Agmark, ISO-2000

In the face of blatant exploitation, duplication and cheating, consumer awareness becomes imperative. For instance, some common ways certain sellers or businesses exploit consumers include:

• Underweight and under-measurement
• Sub-standard quality
• High prices
• Duplicate articles
• Adulteration and impurity
• Lack of safety devices
• Artificial scarcity
• False and incomplete information
• Unsatisfactory after-sale services
• Rough behaviour

All of these are essentially a result of limited information, supply, competition and literacy. Thus its important that consumers recognise their rights and duties. The Consumer Protection Act also features a set of rights that all businesses alike must not abrogate. Including:

• Right to safety
• Right to choose
• Right to seek redressal
• Right to consumer education
• Right to be heard
• Right to be informed.

But rights don’t exist in silos. Thus it’s more important that to secure these rights, consumers also fulfil their duties, such as:

• While purchasing goods, consumers should look at the quality of the products and the warranty of the product.
• They should ask for Cash Memo for the item purchased.
• They should form consumer awareness organisations.
• They must complain of their genuine grievances.
• They must know their rights and duties.

Consumer Protection Measures

To protect the interest of the consumers, the government has adopted three strategies that are administrative, technical and legislative:

Administrative Measures

Administrative measures of the government include the distribution of essential commodities through the Public Distribution System (PDS). Through PDS, the government distributes some essential commodities at a reasonable price through the Fair Price Shops. In a free-market economy, a commodity’s price is determined through the free play of demand and supply.

The equilibrium price is the price at which demand and supply of the commodity are equal, i.e. there are zero excess demand and excess supply.

But sometimes government interferes in the market systems by fixing the price lower than the equilibrium price to protect the interest of the consumers belonging to the lower strata of the society. This price is known as Control Price.

When the government fixes prices lower than the equilibrium price, demand exceeds supply, which leads to black-marketing and hoarding. To check these government sales different commodities at different FPS at control price.

Technical Measures

Technical measures consist of the standardisation of the product. Therefore, one of the necessary measures taken by the government to protect the consumers is the creation of institutions for setting up the standards for making and producing various products and enforcing them. In India, this has been achieved through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Agmark. At the same time, BIS caters to industrial and consumer goods while Agmark is meant for agricultural products.

The Bureau of Indian Standards, earlier known as the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), whose headquarter is located in Delhi, is responsible for laying down industrial and consumer goods standards on a scientific basis and certifying the goods that meet the requirements standards and the prescribed quality.

The Agmark is implemented under the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marketing) Act of 1937, amended in 1986. This scheme is run by the Directorate of Marketing and Intelligence (DMI) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. Products such as honey, masala etc., carry such marks.

At the international level, an institution called International Organization for Standardization (ISI), established in 1947 located in Geneva, serves to provide such a common reference standard. All the international Companies, goods produced by them, and institutions are certified as ISO 6000, ISO 14000 etc.

For setting international food standards, there is a similar body called Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). CAC got formed in 1963 by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organization(WHO) in Rome, Italy. It develops food standards, guidelines and codes for production and international trade in food products like milk, fish etc.

Legislative Measures

These include the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. In addition, the government enacted a specific law called the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The Act provides for the establishment of consumer disputes redressal agencies at the District, State and National levels for the protection of consumer interests and to redress their grievances in a speedy, inexpensive and straightforward manner.

The Act has led to the setting up separate Department of Consumer Affairs in Central and State Government, which focus exclusively on the rights of the consumers, as enshrined in the Act.

Consumer Protection Act of 1986 And Case Studies

Although legal provisions like that offered a sense of protection to consumers, the laws were exclusive for protecting consumers and making them aware. Thus to fill that lacuna Consumer Protection Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on  5th  December 1986.

The promulgation of the 1986 Act was intended to safeguard the interests of the consumers and for the purpose that there is Consumer Councils and other authorities for the settlement of consumer disputes and matter connected therewith.

To provide quick redressal of consumer disputes, a quasi-judicial institution is set up at all three levels. These bodies were empowered to give relief of a specific nature and award, wherever appropriate, compensation to the consumers. In addition, penalties of non-compliance with the orders given by the quasi-judicial bodies have also been provided.

Case Studies

• S.L.Pati vs Postmaster, Aligarh, Orissa(1993)

In this case, the money order was not delivered in time to the concerned person. If this were the normal Act of the Post Office and the office, which belong to the Union Government, no one would have faith in services rendered by them.

As a result, an amount of Rs250/- plus the money order amount of Rs.1000/- along with interest @ 18% was the compensation awarded to the deprived person.

• KC Panda  VS  SDO, Telecom Department, Berhampur, Orissa(1994)

The telephone line was disconnected even if the bill was paid. Proceeding before District Forum, Telecom Department made an apology for the mistake that occurred inadvertently. But, despite the apology, an amount of Rs. 2000/- was the compensation awarded to the person concerned by the Telecom Department.

Data and Methodology

For this piece, around eighty households in the city of Bhubneshwar were selected using judgment sampling. And further, it was analysed to deduce consumer behaviour.

Statistical Tools Used        

For the analysis of data simple percentage method and the arithmetic average is used.

Percentage:

Percentage increase/decrease=    _________   X 100

G t = Value of the Variable in time period t

G t-1 = Value of the Variable in time period t-1

Arithmetic Average (Mean):

Sum of all the values of different items in the series

Arithmetic Mean= ____________________________________________

Total number of items

X 1 + X 2 +………………………+X n

=    _____________________________

N   =   å Xi       i = 1, 2, 3………….n

Limitations of the Study

The study area of the project is limited to Bhubaneswar city only. Thus, the sample size is relatively small. Further, all the respondents were from an urban background.

Analysis And Interpretation Of Data

Socio-economic conditions of the Households

The total number of households surveyed for the purpose is 80. For the same, the head of the family was interviewed to fathom aspects of consumer awareness mentioned in the questionnaire.

Table No. 1 : total family members of the surveyed households.

Table No. 2 : occupational status of the head of the household.

Table No. 3 : educational qualifications of the head of the household.

Table No. 4 : education status of total households surveyed.

Table No.5 : income level of surveyed households.

Total family members of the surveyed households are 420, of which 220 are female and 200 are male—the average family size of the home is 5.35.

Out of 80 people interviewed, 68 belong to the service class. The rest had their own business.

Out of the total 80 of the families interviewed, 55 are highly qualified, including graduate, post-graduate, and even some possess Professional and Technical qualifications. Out of the total, 23 are at the Primary and Secondary levels, whereas two are illiterate.

Out of total family members, 190 were graduate, postgraduate and professionally and technically qualified. Again, 170 members are at Primary and Secondary or Higher Secondary level, whereas 10 are illiterates.

Rest 20 belonged to below five years and hence are not mentioned in the educational status. Table No. 5 represents the distribution of income levels of surveyed households. Out of 80 families, 10, 60, 10 belong to low income, medium income, and high-income groups.

Table No. 1

Sex-wise family members of the households.

Occupational Status of the Head of Households

Table No. 3

Educational level of head of families.

Educational Status of Family Members

Income Level of the Households

b) Diagrammatic Presentation of Data

Different types of diagrams are used to represent the data. Diagram No. 1, a Bar Diagram represents sex-wise family members of the households. Diagram No.2,  a pie chart, represents the occupational structure of the head of the household. Diagram No.3 and 4 are the Pie Charts that represents the income level of the head of households and the educational status of the heads respectively. Diagram No.5 and 6 are the Bar diagrams representing the whole family’s educational status and income level of the heads.                                                                                              

Consumer Awareness of the Households

Table No. 6 represents the preferred use of toothpaste. Table No. 7 represents the influence of different agencies on families while purchasing a different brand of toothpaste used by the surveyed households. Finally, Table No.8 shows aspects of consumer awareness in the everyday lives of the surveyed households.

  Table No.6

The preferred use of toothpaste.

Source of influence on the Purchase of different  Brand of Toothpaste

Table No. 8

Different aspects of consumer awareness.

From table No.6, it is evident that the highest percentage of families, i.e. 37.5%,  prefer Close-up followed by Colgate with 27.5%. Income and occupation factors did not influence the purchase or consumption of toothpaste of Close-up or Colgate. However, in the case of a lower-income group, out of  10, 6 families use either Anchor or Promise, and they prefer it as it cost less than the other brand of toothpaste.

On the other hand, the quality of the product is important for the high and medium-income groups, using Close-up and Colgate. Besides, the quality of product and price, children’s choices was also taken considered while using the Colgate or Close-up for about 20% of the households. The majority came to know about the product through an advertisement on TV, followed by magazines, newspapers and other agencies, as evident from Table 7.

Table No.8 depicts different aspects of consumer awareness, i.e., standardisation, MRP, date of manufacturing and expiry, knowledge about Consumer Courts, rights and duties of the consumers, etc. Out of total families, 81.25% of families check MRP, date of manufacturing and expiry. However, 56.25% of people were interviewed to check the ingredients used in the product.

As far as Consumer Court is concerned, most of them (96.25%) know about it, but only 10 out of the total respondents have gone to the Consumer Court to redress their problems on different occasions.

Lastly, it is clear from Table No. 8 that the majority of households(71.25%) surveyed insist on Cash Memo at the time of purchase. However, it is limited to non-consumable durable items and some consumable items when a large quantity is purchased.

Summary and Conclusion

This project aims to assess the people of different classes in society about various aspects of consumer awareness viz., price and quality of products used by them, Fair Price Shop, standardisation of products, Consumer Forum, and their Rights Duties etc. Consumers will lead a happy, healthy, and prosperous life if they are fully aware of the aspects mentioned above.

For the project report, the head of households interviewed is 80, and all belong to urban areas. Out of the total heads of families interviewed, 78 are literate, whereas only two are illiterate. All belong to different income groups, i.e. high, medium and low-income groups. However, the majority of them belong to the medium income group (75%). Again, based on occupation, 85%  of respondents are government servants, whereas other are businessmen.

Close-up was the most preferred brand (37.5%) of toothpaste, followed by  Colgate(27.5%) among the surveyed households. Households from medium and high-income groups prefer a respective brand of toothpaste, taking into account the quality of the product and their children’s wishes. On the other hand, for the low-income group, the most important factor determining the use of toothpaste is the product’s price. Again, most respondents (70%) were influenced by the televised advertisement about the product.

As far as consumer awareness is concerned, most respondents did not know about certified products, check MRP, date of manufacturing and expiry at the time of purchase. However, the majority of them do not check about the ingredients used in the product.

On the other hand, many knew Consumer Courts,  but only ten had ever visited the court regarding their grievances.

To conclude, people are inclined to know their rights, product details and other relevant information that could affect them somehow.

The educational implications of the study are that every student and parent should be aware of different aspects of different commodities they consume in day-to-day life. For example, they should know about certified products, Check MRP, date of manufacturing, and expiry at the purchase of a commodity.

They must have awareness about their rights and duties.  This gives a preliminary idea about survey work to the students. Lastly, students will get an idea about how statistical techniques can be used in different socio-economic problems.

  Bibliography

• Prof. S.P. Gupta, “Statistical Methods”, S.Chand and Company Ltd, 1994, New Delhi.
• S.Mishra and V.K.Puri, “Indian Economy”, Himalaya Publishing House, Mumbai,2000
• Ruddar Dutt and K.P.M. Sundharam, “Indian Economy”, S. Chand and Company Ltd., 1994.
• Statistics for Economics, Textbook for Class XI, NCERT, New Delhi, 2005.
• Indian Economic Development, Textbook for Class XI, NCERT, New Delhi,2005.
• The Consumer Protection Act 1986, the Law House, New Delhi.
• Contemporary India, A Social Science Textbook for Class X, NCERT, New Delhi,2003.
• Economic Survey, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Planning and Co-ordination Department, Government of Orissa, 2006-07.

This article was first published in 2015

Questionnaire

• Name of the head of family:__________________________

                                                      Education:________ Occupation:_______

                                                               Age:_________   Sex(M/F):_______

• Residential Address:_____________________________________________

                                                           _____________________________________________

• Age (In years)                                                            No. of Persons

                                                                                                  ________________________

                                                                                                    Male     Female       Total 

                                      ________________________________________________________                                                                

• 5-14         
• 65 and above

_________________________________________________________

                                                                                         Total: 

• Level of Education                                                

                                                                                                            No. Of Persons

                           ________________________________________________________

                           Illiterate

                           Primary

                           Secondary

                           Graduation

                           Others

                         __________________________________________________________

                            Total                  

• Monthly Income

                                                                                                                   ( In Rs/-)

                          _________________________________________________________

                          Up to  1000

                          1000-5000

                          5000-20000

                          20000-50000

                          50000 and above

                          __________________________________________________________ 

• What do you use to clean your teeth?

                                    Toothpaste_____  Tooth Powder_____  Any Other______

• Which brand of toothpaste do you use regularly?

                                     Aquafresh___ Cibaka____  Anchor_______

                                     Close-up____Promise_____Pepsodent_____

                                      Oral B_____ Furhans_____Any Other____

• The price for a 100-gram pack of toothpaste (used by them).

                               Price_______(actual)

                               Price________(approx.)

                               Do not know______.    

_________________________________________________________________________

• Do you find the product costly?     Yes/No
• Do you check MRP, date of manufacturing and date of expiry?   Yes/No
• Do you check the standardisation of products like ISI, Agmark, ISO 2000?   Yes/No
• Do you check the ingredients used in the product?   Yes/No
• Are you satisfied with the quality of the product? Yes/No
• Are you aware of the Fair Price Shop? Yes/No
• Do you find the availability of products at FPS?  Yes/No
• Do you complain to the shopkeeper in case of dissatisfaction? Yes/No  
• Has your complaint been timely attended? Yes/No
• Was your complaint attended to your satisfaction? Yes/No
• Are you aware of Consumer Courts? Yes/No                   
• Have you ever gone to a Consumer Court in case of any dissatisfaction? Yes/No
• Do you insist Cash Memo at the time of purchase to ensure genuine purchase and tax revenue to the government? Yes/No
• Do you insist on Cash Memos for other commodities at the time of purchase? Yes/No
• How do you come to know about the product?                                                 Yes/No

                                    Advertisement                                         Family influenced

                                    _______________________________________________

                                     TV                                                               _______

                                     Newspaper                                                   _______

                                     Magazine                                                     _______

                                    Cinema                                                         _______

                                    Sales Representatives                                    _______

                                     Exhibits Stall                                                _______

                                     Radio                                                            ________

                                     Any other                                                     ________

                                    _____________________________________________________                 

16. Are you attracted by promotional offers like rebates, free toothbrushes, buy one get one free?Yes/No

        17.   Do children influence the purchase of particular toothpaste?   Yes/No

        18. If a new toothpaste brand is launched in the market, will you buy it?  

                                               If yes, then what consideration?                                                                   Yes/No 

                                               Price of the Product________      Quality of the product______

                                               Promotional offer_______            Any Other______

———————————————————*———————————————————————–

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10 Best Consumer Awareness Project [Free PDF]

• by Girish N P
• 24 Comments

Last updated on June 12th, 2023

This blog brings you the 10 best Consumer Awareness Project or Consumer Rights Project for class 10 students.

Many of the Consumer Rights projects on google and other platforms are charging fee from the students. Also, some of them are even using cheap tricks for subscribing their youtube channels in return of PDFs.

This is injustice for kids in India. Educational resources should be free forever. Hence, our blog is providing Full PDF and PPT formats free of cost for Instant download.

Unique Content

Consumer exploitation.

• Consumer Protection Act 1986
• Importance of Consumer Awareness

4. To eradicate Consumer Illiteracy

In India, consumers are cheated due to illiteracy, innocence and lack of information. Therefore making every consumer aware of their right is necessary. Thus eradicating the consumer illiteracy.

5. Social Awareness

If every consumer in the society is aware of their rights and duties. It leads to healthy and literate society. Thus making it impossible for anyone to cheat.

Who is Consumer?

Consumer is person or group of persons, who is end-user of the goods and services. In other words, any individual or group of persons, who buys product for their personal use and not for resale.

Hence, consumer is decision maker whether or not to buy an item at the store. He/She is often influenced by advertisements and marketing.

Example: Ram buying Mobile phones from online shopping site.

Consumer exploitation is the critical situation in which a consumer is cheated/given false information. More often, by the sellers, middle men or the producers. They manipulate the market in many ways. Since they have huge wealth and power.

Ways of Consumer exploitation

1. lack of safety devices.

Manufactures have profit motive. Hence the devices are cheap and lack the safety.

2. High Prices

Sellers quite often charge price higher than the price prevailing in the market. Because of the urgency and ignorance of the consumers.

3. Sub Standard Quality

Consumers are willing to buy at affordable prices. Thus, producers reduce the quality of goods and services by unfair practices. Hence, many of the duplicate products are available in market.

Example: Adulteration of food items like ghee, milk etc.,

4. Artificial Scarcity

Through hoarding and black marketing, sellers indulge themselves in artificial scarcity of goods. Hoarding is temporary method of storing very large quantities of goods during low prices and selling them once the prices are high.

5. False/ Incomplete Information

Producers/Sellers provide false and incomplete information on the products, which leads to consumer exploitation.

United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection

10 Major guidelines which are widely followed by most member nations of UN are

• National policies for consumer protection
• Physical safety
• Promotion and protection of the economic interests of consumers
• Standards for the safety and quality of consumer goods and services
• Distribution facilities for essential consumer goods and services
• Dispute resolution and redress
• Education and information programs
• Promotion of sustainable consumption
• Protection for consumers using electronic commerce
• Protection of consumer privacy

Historically consumer welfare dates back to the vedic age.

Four types of offenses in vedic age are

• Adulteration in food items
• Overcharging
• Underweight
• Sale of restrictive goods

In Kautilya’s Arthashastra and Manusmriti, Consumer Protection occupies a prominent Place.

Consumer movement in India started in early 1960s. In 1970s consumer organization were formed to look into malpractices in “Fair Price Shops”.

Reasons/Need for Consumer Movement

• Dissatisfaction of the consumers due to unfair trade practices by the sellers

Example: Adulteration of food items like ghee, edible oils, milk etc.,

2. No legal systems available to consumers to protect themselves from exploitation.

3. It is the responsibility of the consumer to be aware while buying.

Reasons/Need for Consumer Protection

• Social responsibility
• Increasing Awareness
• Consumer Satisfaction
• Principle of Social Justice
• Principle of Trusteeship

Important Laws that Protect Consumers

• Drugs Control Act 1950
• Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954
• Drug and magic remedies act 1954
• Essential commodities act 1955
• Export quality control and inspection act 1963
• Monopolies and restrictive trade practices act 1969
• Standard of weighs and measurement act 1976
• Prevention of black marketing and maintenance of supplies of essential commodities act 1980
• Bureau of Indian Standards Act 1986
• Legal Metrology Act 2009

Role of Government in Consumer Protection

• Consumer Courts

National Consumer Helpline

• Certification Marks

Consumer Protection Act 1986 (COPRA)

COPRA is an act of the parliament of India enacted in 1986 to protect the interests of consumers in India. It was amended in 2019.

This act is like a weapon in the hands of consumers to fight against exploitation by manufacturers and sellers.

In addition, it sets various rules and regulations for consumers, sellers and producers in India. Also, it provides provisions to establish various institutions like Consumer Courts, Central Consumer Protection Authority.

Significance of COPRA

This act is regarded as Magna Carta in the field of consumer protection. Also, it checks unfair trade practices, defective goods and deficiency in services in India. It has empowered consumers to a great extent.

Consumer Rights

1. right to safety.

This right ensures the consumers from hazardous goods and services which may cause harm.

2. Right to be informed

Consumer must be informed about the quality, quantity, purity, standard and price of goods and services.

3. Right to choose

Consumers have the right to choose from various goods and services at competitive prices.

4. Right to be heard

This right ensures that consumer interest’s are concerned at appropriate fora if consumer has grievance.

5. Right to redress

Consumers have the right to redress against unfair trade practices like adulteration, black marketing etc.,

6. Right to Consumer education

It is the right of consumer to know and informed about various standards, marks, institutions, and polices established by the government. Thus, making the consumer more confident while buying.

Click Here to read in detail.

Consumer Courts in India

1. district consumer disputes redressal forum.

If the value of the claim is upto Rs.50 Lakh.

2. State Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum

If the value of the claim is between Rs.50 Lakh and Rs.2 Crore. And appeal against the orders of the district forums can be filed in state forum.

3. National Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum

If the value of the claim is above Rs.2 Crore. And appeal against the orders of the state forums can be filed in national forum.

Relief available to Consumers from Consumer Courts

• Removal of defects
• Replacements of goods
• Refund of amount
• Award compensation for the loss or injury suffered
• To cease manufacture of hazardous goods

Important Days

National consumer day.

24th December every year is observed as National Consumer Day as the COPRA 1986 was enacted on this day.

World Consumer Rights Day

On 15th March 1962, US President John F Kennedy raised the issue of consumer rights. Hence 15th March every year is observed as World Consumer Rights Day.

Click Here to read more.

Jago grahak Jago

It is a consumer awareness program launched by Government of India in 2005. This program create consumer awareness through print media, poster, audio and video campaigns for consumer information and education. Thus, making sure that every consumer is aware of their rights and responsibilities.

Consumers can easily complain about their grievances on NCH by four ways

• Call TollFree Number 1800 11 4000
• Send SMS at 81300 09809
• Register complaint on Official Website consumerhelpline.gov.in
• Whatsapp your complaint at 8800001915

Consumer Duties / Consumer Responsibilities

1. be critically aware.

It is the responsibility of Consumer to be aware of prices, quantity and quality of goods and services.

2. Be Involved

To ensure that consumer gets a fair deal, he/she must be assertive.

3. Be organized

Also, it is the responsibility of consumer to join hands and raise voice in their interest.

4. Practice Sustainable Consumption

It is the responsibility of consumer to be aware of the impact of purchased items

5. Be responsible to Environment

Consumer must be responsible about the consequences on environment. He /She should recognize our social responsibility to conserve natural resources.

Certification Marks in India

Consumer Questionnaire

1. Do you examine the expiry date of food items and medicines while buying?

2. Have you ever filed a case in consumer court?

3. Are you aware of consumer courts ?

4. Have you ever come across food adulteration ?

5. Do you check MRP before buying items?

6. Do you check the prices of goods you buy from other sources?

7. Have you ever cross checked the weights of the products you bought?

8. Have you compared the prices of product online?

9. Have you ever taught consumer rights to family/neighbors?

10. Have you complained to product supplier or store?

Consumer International is world wide federation comprising of consumer groups. This organization serves as global voice and forum for consumer concerns.

Conclusion -Consumer Awareness

To sum up, every consumer must check the price, quality and quantity of the products before purchase. If the goods and services are defective, he/she should raise the voice with this regard.

In addition, if consumer is aware of their rights and responsibilities then he/she is less likely to get exploited. Thus every consumer should know about their six consumer rights and complain in case of grievance.

Therefore, every consumer must know about certification marks, consumer groups and organizations, which avoids consumer exploitation.

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Study Material

Consumer Awareness Project Class 10 SST

Home > Class 10 SSt Subject-wise Material

Consumer Awareness Project

As part of the CBSE 2024–25 Syllabus, students are required to prepare and submit Class 10 Social Science projects on Consumer Awareness. Educart has created a special page with lots of inspiring ideas on various parts of this project.

Below you will find some creative project cover images to use, well-designed acknowledgment pages, and even complete project files (in video form) of toppers who have created the best projects on consumer awareness in the past.

Project Structure

Learn everything from scratch with this step-by-step guide on project work for Class 10 Social Science Consumer Development Project.

Start your consumer awareness project with a good 50-100-word introductory paragraph about consumer awareness. Set the stage by highlighting the importance of informed decision-making in today's marketplace.

Who is a Consumer?

Under this topic, define who a consumer is and the different types of consumer. For instance, write a definition like a consumer is someone who buys things for themselves. Consumers drive the economy by choosing what to buy: groceries, clothes, or gadgets. They can influence what products are made and how they're sold by deciding what to purchase.It's better to read the definition of consumer on various websites and write it in your own words.  

How Consumers are Being Exploited?

After you have defined who a consumer is, Describe how consumers are being exploited. Explain the different ways of consumer exploitation;  

• Misleading Advertising
• Sub-standard quality
• Adulterated and Impure Product
• False Claims
• Safety Issues in Devices
• False warranties and guarantees

Explain Consumer Awareness

Start by defining consumer awareness, then move gradually towards why consumer awareness is essential. Highlight how it helps individuals to make informed decisions, protects them from exploitation, and promotes fair practices in the marketplace.

Importance & Need of Consumer Awareness

This topic explains the importance and need for consumer awareness, such as protection from exploitation, informed decision-making, Market accountability, Healthy competition, and reduction of fraud.  

Start this topic by defining consumer rights. Explain all the important consumer rights and responsibilities and the importance of making educated decisions based on accurate information. Here is a list of consumer rights you should mention in your project.  

• Right to Safety
• Right to be Informed
• Right to Choose
• Right to be heard
• Right to Seek redressal
• Right to Consumer Education

Historical Evolution of Consumer Protection in India

Write a brief historical evolution of consumer protection that is at most one paragraph. Use the following link for this purpose.    https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/world-consumer-rights-day-2023-history-significance-theme-101678847703994.html    http://www.jtexconsumerlaw.com/v11n3/jccl_india.pdf  

Laws and Regulations Promoting Consumer Awareness

Provide an overview of relevant laws and regulations to protect consumers' interests and promote awareness. Highlight specific provisions within consumer protection laws that focus on education and awareness initiatives. Describe government-led efforts to enhance consumer awareness through policy measures and public campaigns.

Consumer Protection Act

Explain The Consumer Protection Act of 1986 (COPRA) and The Consumer Protection Act of 2019. Compare only the key points as amended from the consumer awareness point of view.                                                     

‍ https://consumeraffairs.nic.in/acts-and-rules/consumer-protection  

Mention World Consumer Rights Day and state when and why it is celebrated. Write that this day is observed every year on 15 March to raise consumers' awareness of their rights, including safety, choice, information, education, and redressal. Also mention this year's theme, etc., and where it was inspired.  

Discuss the Jago Grahak Jago program launched in 2005 by the Department of Consumer Affairs. Explain various methods of making the consumer aware of product quality by explaining certification marks of product categories. A table is provided below for your convenience. 

Certification Marks in India

Redressal Method for Consumer Awareness

Introduce online platforms and resources where consumers can access information about products, services, and their rights. Consumer Protection Agencies: Discuss the role of government agencies and helplines in providing consumer assistance and guidance.

National Consumer Helpline

Consumer Awareness in the Digital Age

Discuss how advancements in technology, such as the Internet and social media, have revolutionized consumer awareness. Also, discuss the role of online reviews and ratings in influencing purchasing decisions.  

Summarize the importance of consumer awareness in empowering consumers, promoting fair practices, and driving economic growth. Encourage continued efforts from all stakeholders to prioritize consumer education and advocacy. Envision a future where all consumers are informed, empowered, and able to make responsible choices in the marketplace.

Use the following reference when making the project and mention this on the bibliography page.

• https://gama.gov.in/ConsumerAwareness.aspx  
• https://ncdrc.nic.in/bare_acts/1_1_2.html  
• https://www.coe.int/en/web/digital-citizenship-education/consumer-awareness  
• https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/  
• https://consumeraffairs.nic.in/organisation-and-units/division/consumer-welfare-fund/national-action-plan-for-consumer-awareness  
• https://jagograhakjago.gov.in/  
• https://iconsumer.in/consumer-awareness/  

Viva questions: Class 10 SST Consumer Awareness Project 

1. What does it mean to be an informed consumer?

2. What are some common consumer rights?

3. Why is it important to read product labels before purchasing?

4. How can consumers protect themselves from scams and fraudulent practices?

5. What are some ways consumers can provide feedback or file complaints about products or services?

Examples: Cover Images

Here is a cover page idea for Consumer Awareness Project SST Class 10.

Examples: Acknowledgement/ Index page

In the acknowledgment section of SST Project Consumer Awareness Class 10, you have to acknowledge the efforts of those people who helped or inspired you in any form to complete this project.

Videos: Topper Project Files

Here are a few video inspirations for CBSE class 10 consumer awareness project.

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Pdfs: full projects.

Download sample PDFs of the consumer awareness Project.

Sample Project 1

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Consumer Awareness Project Class 10

Table of Contents

Consumer Awareness Project Class 10: Understanding consumer awareness and rights is important for all citizens. Consumer awareness ensures customers are informed about products, services, and their rights. It comprise laws guaranteeing information on goods’ quantity, quality, purity, potency, and price, aiming to protect against unfair trade practices. Explore the Consumer Rights Project and the Consumer Awareness Project for Class 10 to learn more.

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What is Consumer Awareness

Consumer awareness refers to individuals’ understanding of their rights and the products or services available in the market. It involves knowing about product features, prices, quality, safety measures, and legal protections. Being aware empowers individuals to make informed decisions, choose products that meet their needs, and protect themselves from fraudulent practices. Enhanced consumer awareness fosters fair competition, transparency, and equitable transactions, creating a marketplace where consumers confidently advocate for their rights and interests.

Also Check: Consumer Right CBSE Class 10 Economics Extra Questions

The Consumer Awareness Project for Class 10 is a vital initiative that educates students about their rights and responsibilities as consumers. It covers topics like understanding product labels, spotting misleading ads, and addressing unfair trade practices. Through practical exercises and real-life examples, students learn to make informed decisions and protect their rights. This project equips them with essential skills for navigating the consumer world and contributing to a fair marketplace.

Also Read: Consumer Rights Project for Class 10

Key Components of the Consumer Awareness Project Class 10

The Consumer Awareness Project encompasses various facets, each designed to enrich students’ understanding:

• Research and Analysis: Students delve into the market, researching products and services. They analyze factors like quality, price, and consumer reviews, honing their critical thinking skills along the way.
• Case Studies: Real-life scenarios provide valuable insights into consumer rights violations and ethical dilemmas. By dissecting these cases, students learn to identify red flags and advocate for their rights.
• Role-Playing Exercises: From negotiating with vendors to filing complaints, role-playing exercises simulate real-world consumer interactions. These hands-on activities empower students to navigate the market with confidence.
• Awareness Campaigns: Knowledge is power, and spreading awareness is key. Students organize awareness campaigns, educating peers and communities about consumer rights and the importance of ethical consumption.

Also Check: NCERT Solutions Class 10 Social Science Consumer rights

Consumer Awareness Project Class 10: Consumer Awareness in India

In a country with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, consumer awareness becomes paramount in shielding individuals from unscrupulous vendors. Defined as the understanding of one’s rights concerning products or services being offered, consumer awareness serves as a shield against deceitful practices. The enactment of the Consumer Protection Act underscores the government’s dedication to this cause, providing a legal framework to uphold consumer rights.

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Key Rights of Consumers

• Right to Information : Every consumer possesses the right to access comprehensive information regarding the goods or services they intend to purchase. This knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions, steering clear of misleading advertisements or overbearing sales tactics.
• Right to Choose : Consumers are entitled to a diverse array of options in the marketplace, free from monopolistic constraints. This ensures that products and services are of superior quality and value, fostering healthy competition among sellers.
• Right to be Heard : The right to voice grievances is essential in maintaining a balanced consumer-seller relationship. Individuals dissatisfied with a purchase have the avenue to file complaints, with the expectation of timely resolution and redressal.
• Right to Seek Redressal : In cases of unfair trade practices or exploitation, consumers reserve the right to seek resolution for disputes or grievances. The Consumer Protection Act provides avenues for legal recourse, ensuring justice for aggrieved parties.
• Right to Customer Education : Education forms the bedrock of consumer empowerment, equipping individuals with the knowledge of their rights and responsibilities. Awareness of legal protections fosters fair exchange and ethical business practices.
• Right to Safety : Perhaps the most fundamental of all rights, the right to safety safeguards consumers against hazardous or substandard products. Ensuring the quality and reliability of goods and services is imperative in preserving the well-being of consumers.

Enroll Now to Online CBSE Foundation Courses for Class 10

Consumer Awareness Project Ideas for Class 10

Project 1: Consumer Rights Pamphlet

Description: Create an informative pamphlet detailing the key rights of consumers as outlined in the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. Include practical examples and scenarios to illustrate how these rights can be exercised in real-life situations. Distribute the pamphlets in local communities, schools, and marketplaces to raise awareness among consumers.

Project 2: Consumer Education Workshop

Description: Organize a workshop aimed at educating fellow classmates and members of the community about their rights as consumers. Invite guest speakers, such as legal experts or consumer rights advocates, to provide insights into consumer protection laws and how they can be enforced. Utilize interactive activities and group discussions to engage participants and enhance their understanding of consumer rights.

Project 3: Consumer Rights Awareness Campaign

Description: Develop a multimedia awareness campaign to educate the public about their rights as consumers. Create posters, infographics, and social media posts highlighting key aspects of consumer protection laws. Collaborate with local businesses, schools, and community organizations to amplify the reach of the campaign and encourage active participation from the community.

Project 4: Consumer Complaint Resolution Initiative

Description: Establish a platform for consumers to submit complaints regarding unfair trade practices or product/service quality issues. Designate a team of student volunteers to investigate and resolve these complaints through mediation or legal channels. Work closely with relevant authorities, such as consumer courts or regulatory agencies, to ensure timely resolution of consumer grievances.

Project 5: Consumer Rights Documentary

Description: Produce a documentary film exploring the challenges faced by consumers in exercising their rights in the marketplace. Interview consumers, industry experts, and policymakers to provide diverse perspectives on the topic. Screen the documentary at school assemblies, community events, and film festivals to spark discussions and raise awareness about consumer rights issues.

Enroll Now to Online Course for NEET Class 10 Preparation

Consumer Awareness Project Class 10: PDF Download

Consumer Awareness is about making sure buyers know about products, services, and their rights. It helps consumers make smart choices. Below is a simple PDF on Consumer Awareness. It gives useful info about consumer rights and decision-making. Download it for easy reference in the future.

Download PDF Here: (Consumer Awareness Project Class 10)

In Class 10, the Consumer Awareness Project isn’t just about grades—it’s about making a difference. It’s about giving students the tools to navigate the world of buying and selling with confidence and honesty. As they embark on this journey, they’re not just enriching their own lives; they’re also planting the seeds for a better future. So, let’s embrace knowledge and set off on this path toward a brighter tomorrow.

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Public Awareness

• August 6, 2023

Public awareness campaigns that engage and educate local communities on plastic waste can spur community action and affect consumer choices. 

TARGET USERS:  Individuals, Businesses, Industry, Government

KEY CONSIDERATIONS:  The aim is to increase public understanding and shape community perceptions on the dangers of plastic pollution and available solutions, thereby empowering more people and organizations to take action.

MORE INFORMATION:  https://www.plasticdisclosure.org/

THE PROBLEM

Everyday, plastic waste negatively impacts the ecosystem, habitats, human health and sustainable development across the world. Despite the vast scale of the problem, the general public and other important stakeholders have not been adequately engaged and educated on how they can become part of the solution.

THE SOLUTION

Broad public awareness can help to change the way that plastic is viewed, used and managed as waste. Education and engagement can be part of a city’s strategic action plan, and can include consumer awareness campaigns, business awareness campaigns, documentary films, school initiatives and cleanup activities, among others.

The aim is to increase public understanding and shape community perceptions on the dangers of plastic pollution and available solutions, thereby empowering more people and organizations to take action. Community actions can include changes in individual attitudes and purchasing habits, increased sorting and recycling behavior, responsible business processes and practices, among others.

CASE STUDY EXAMPLES

Con Dao Public Awareness Project

Marine Litter Clean-up Events in Split, Croatia In spring 2020, the Sunce Split Association launched a series of marine litter clean-up events in collaboration with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Energy. The aim was to remove marine litter from the seabed and coast, while at the same time, raise public awareness of the impact of marine litter on the Adriatic. 21 clean-up actions were carried out in seven counties along the Croatian coastline: Istria, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Lika-Senj, Zadar, Šibenik-Knin, Split-Dalmatia, and Dubrovnik-Neretva. 5 tonnes of underwater marine litter were removed by divers, then collected by fishermen with trawl nets. Volunteers and Sunce Split staff also took part, monitoring litter collected to track its source and advising on appropriate waste management. Locations were selected in cooperation with relevant stakeholders, such as public institutions that manage Marine Protected Areas, local authorities, citizens associations, diving clubs and fishing communities. The results of each event were made public to raise public awareness of marine litter pollution. In addition, based on the experience and results, Sunce Split Association drafted a proposal for a national protocol setting guidelines for all future ocean clean-up initiatives in Croatia.

Source:  Seas at Risk.org

Plastic Smart Cities – School Activities in Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Brussels Zero Waste Challenge Brussels has engaged in a Zero Waste Strategy to educate its citizens of how they can reduce waste and prevent plastic pollution. Public awareness activities that form part of the Zero Waste Challenge include:

• A monthly zero waste newsletter
• A Facebook page and an agenda for the promotion of zero waste events
• An online resource showcasing best practice projects
• The organisation of municipal Zero Waste Challenges involving hundreds of participating families
• Personalised coaching and support to help families reduce their waste
• Participants receive a specific challenge, several of which target alternatives to single-use packaging and products, e.g. the bulk sales challenge and the zero waste picnic challenge.

Participants in the city’s first Zero Waste Challenge in 2019 reduced their waste by 30% in one year, from an initial 61 kg per year to 43 kg per year, which is 75% less waste than the average Brussels citizen. 

Source:  Seas at Risk. org

#NoPlasticChallenge, France Each spring, 200 volunteers from the French NGO “No Plastic In My Sea” invite the public to mobilise on social media and commit to reducing their plastic consumption, using the hashtag #NoPlasticChallenge. As part of the event, 15 daily actions are promoted, all related to reducing or eliminating the use of single-use plastic items, (no disposable cups, no plastic cutlery, no over-packaged goods or single-serve portions, homemade detergents, buy unpackaged, in bulk fruit and vegetables, solid shampoo and use of refillable bottle and reusable bags).  A self-evaluation form lets participants measure and compare their plastic consumption at the beginning and at the end of the challenge. Thanks to the use of social media, with people posting eco-tips and inviting others to do so, the event is highly visible, reaching around five million people. Visit  No Plastic in My Sea  to learn more. 

Waste prevention education, Greece The Ecological Recycling Society launched an innovative “Prevention for Students” project in collaboration with the municipalities of Agioi Anargyroi-Kamatero, Zakynthos, Hersonissos, Kozani and the Regional Union of Attica Municipalities. The goal was to improve information and raise public awareness on waste prevention, which is one of the general objectives of the National Strategic Waste Prevention Plan. The main deliverables of the project included a waste prevention guidebook for students and teachers, a PowerPoint presentation for schools, a poster, and a TV ad. Prevention workshops were also organised. As well as informing school communities about waste prevention (with a focus on single-use plastics) and wasteful consumption, the project also encouraged students to take part in waste prevention actions and alternative waste management actions. Source:  Seas at Risk.org .

Parley Ocean School Parley Ocean School takes an immersive approach to environmental education with the goal of inspiring marine conservation and empowering its next generation of leaders: Ocean Guardians. Parley Ocean School youth programs simplify complex marine threats through engaging materials developed with a global network of educators. Our lessons balance local and global issues, connect big-picture thinking with immediate impacts, and instill in each individual a sense of place and agency within the movement to end today’s biggest marine threats. Initiatives are led in collaboration with local schools, NGOs and governments. Our programs are tailored to support existing curriculum and introduce new and exciting experiences in the marine environment, as well as through the power of sports.

Since piloting  in the Maldives in 2015, the Parley Ocean School program has expanded around the world in collaboration with educators, NGOs, brands and governments, focusing especially on coastal communities most affected by marine plastic pollution.

“Parley AIR” (Avoid, Intercept, Redesign) lessons, workshops and plastic interception points are active in over 70 schools, with the ambition to roll out these initiatives across all 217 schools in the Maldives by 2020. A forthcoming digital platform will make lessons, activities and tools available to students, activists and educators worldwide.

See  https://www.parley.tv/updates/parleyoceanschool  for more information.

Plastic Clever Schools With over 951 registered schools across the UK, the Plastic Clever Schools Program is is committed to helping schools succeed in their efforts to fight single-use plastic. Becoming a Plastic Clever School requires a school to take appropriate action needed to reduce their use of single-use plastic, including the BIG 4 plastic polluters (cups + lids, straws, bottles and bags), plus cutlery and crockery. See Plastic Clever School’s  website  for more information.

Plastic Disclosure Project The Plastic Disclosure Project enables manufacturers, businesses and municipalities to manage and reduce their plastic waste by measuring, understanding, and communicating their plastic footprint. See  PlasticDisclosure.org  for more information.  

The Story of Plastic The Story of Plastic is presented by The Story of Stuff Project, a nonprofit dedicated to changing the way that we make, use, and throw away Stuff so that it is more sustainable, healthy, and fair. Since 2007 the nonprofit’s nine award-winning animated movies have garnered more than 50 million online views around the world and inspired a million-member global community to take action for systemic change. To learn more, visit their  StoryofStuff.org . 

#breakfreefromplastic The #breakfreefromplastic Movement is a global movement envisioning a future free from plastic pollution. Since its launch in 2016, more than 11,000 organizations and individual supporters from across the world have joined the movement to demand massive reductions in single-use plastics and to push for lasting solutions to the plastic pollution crisis. BFFP member organizations and individuals share the common values of environmental protection and social justice, and work together through a holistic approach in order to bring about systemic change under the #breakfreefromplastic core pillars. This means tackling plastic pollution across the whole plastics value chain – from extraction to disposal – focusing on prevention rather than cure and providing effective solutions. See  https://www.breakfreefromplastic.org/  to learn more. 

My Little Plastic Footprint My Little Plastic Footprint is an app that helps individuals reduce their plastic consumption by going on a “plastic diet”. To calculate one’s plastic footprint, the app uses the Plastic Mass Index (PMI). The PMI is a measure to calculate one’s contribution to plastic pollution; the closer your PMI number gets to zero, the less pollution you contribute; the closer your PMI gets to 100, the more you contribute. By going on a plastic diet, you will reduce your PMI and thereby reduce your contribution to plastic pollution. See  https://mylittleplasticfootprint.org/  for more information. 

Vietnam – MONRE Vietnam’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) cooperated with various community stakeholders to organize workshops that raise public awareness of the adverse impacts of the use of plastic bags in the community. MONRE implemented a number of communication solutions on the harmful effects of plastic waste, such as the emulation movement themed “Take action to reduce plastic and nylon pollution”, calling on all officials and employees of the environmental sector, as well as their families and relatives, to “say no to single-use plastics and nylon bags”.

The ministry also coordinated with many localities from across the country to organize campaigns collecting and recycling plastic waste and nylon bags from markets, supermarkets, trade centers and residential areas, aiming to encourage consumers to minimize the use of single-use plastic products and non-degradable nylon bags, and give up the habit of littering indiscriminately.

Most recently, the MONRE collaborated with the Hanoi People’s Committee and the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee to launch the national movement, “Combating plastic waste 2019”, which was enthusiastically acted upon through the central to local levels with practical actions and deeds.

Plastic Free July   Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution. Plastic Free July participants reduce their household waste and recycling by 21 kilos per person per year and  contribute to a total savings of 940 million kilos of plastic waste each year. With over 326 million participants worldwide in 2020, the movement has taken 900 Million kilos of plastic out of nature, including millions of single-use drink bottles, coffee cups, packaging, straws and plastic bags. See  https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/about-us/  for more information. 

ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS

Community-based Waste Management

Community-based waste management programs are collaborations between NGO’s, government agencies and impacted communities, to provide the equipment, resources and training necessary to establish an effective waste management program, and to run the program independently. 

Youth-led Initiatives

Youth-led organizations prove effective in raising awareness of the dangers of plastics to our environment by offering local community engagement workshops, organizing beach clean-ups, promoting plastic-free products, lobbying with local and national governments, and speaking at public events and in schools. 

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