The consumer movement in India is as old as trade and commerce. Even in Kautilya’s Arthashastra, there are references to the concept of consumer protection against exploitation by the trade and industry with respect to quality, short weight and measurement, adulteration etc. Till recently, there was no organized and systematic movement for safeguarding the interests of consumers.
The ordinary citizen today depends on products, design and construction of which he or she may not understand. In this situation, reassurance is an over-riding need; reassurance that the product is reliable and will meet the expectations of the consumers in terms of performance, safety, durability etc.
Need For Consumer Awareness
It has been observed that the people for,whom various schemes have been taken up by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), in fact, do not get benefit as expected. This is mainly because they are not fully aware of these schemes and their benefits.
Also, only knowledgeable and alert consumers aware of their rights and responsiblities can protect themselves effectively. The need of the hour is, therefore, to educate the common consumers particularly those in rural areas who are more susceptible to exploitation. Once they are educated and made aware of the schemes that have been drawn up for their benefit and also the redressal forum that is available, the benefit of various schemes, in true sense, will reach the common consumers of the country.
It is, therefore, our bounden duty to play our part jointly and effectively in disseminating various schemes to the common consumers of the country. In this regard, the role of the voluntary consumer organizations, consumer activists, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions and media cannot be ignored.
BIS is operating the following important schemes for the benefit of consumers:
Formulation of National Standards
BIS is engaged in formulating Indian Standards laying down parameters for the products and services. These Standards are prepared by Technical Committees that are represented by experts from various fields including scientists, technologists, manufacturers and consumers. BIS seek and encourage participation of consumer organizations in formulation of national standards.
Certification Schemes
(a) Product Certification: BIS operates Product Certification Scheme that is governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 and Rules and Regulations framed there under. Presence of Standard Mark on product indicates conformity to the relevant Indian Standard. Before granting licence to any manufacturers, BIS ascertains the availability of required infrastructure and capability of the manufacturer to produce and test the product conforming to the relevant Indian standard on a continuous basis. Samples are also drawn from the production line as well as from market and got tested in independent laboratories to ensure their conformance to the relevant Indian Standard.
(i) Mandatory Certification: The BIS Certification Mark Scheme is essentially voluntary in nature. However, keeping consumer’s interests in view, the Central Government has made BIS Certification Scheme compulsory for items meant for mass consumption, consumer safety, health and energy conservation. As on date 133 products have been covered under the Mandatory Certification Scheme. These orders have been issued under the various acts like Essential Commodities Act, PFA Act, etc.
(ii) Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery: Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery is a Purity Certification Scheme of BIS. Hallmarked Jewellery has to go through stringent norms of manufacture and quality control. Hallmarked Jewellery is assessed and marked by BIS recognized Assaying & Hallmarking Centres only. The Hallmark indicates that the Jewellery articles have been independently tested and assures that it conforms to the marked fineness. BIS logo is marked on BIS Hallmarked Jewellery along with fineness (that is 916 for 22 carat), A&HMC’s logo (Assaying & Hallmarking Centre’s Mark) — where the Jewellery has been assayed & hallmarked, Code letter that is year of hallmarking of Jewellery as decided by BIS, for example letter ‘B’ denotes year 2001 and logo of BIS certified jeweller/jewellery manufacturer.
(iii) Certification Schemes for Imported Goods: BIS also operates two Certification Schemes for imported goods; one for the foreign manufacturers and the other for Indian importers. The Schemes are essentially similar to BIS Product Certification Schemes for domestic industry barring slight modifications necessary for operation of such schemes. The schemes for foreign manufacturer at present are being centrally operated through Central Marks Department at Headquarters and schemes for Indian importers are operated by respective ROs/BOs under whose jurisdiction Indian importer falls. It may, however, be noted that in case of 133 products covered under mandatory certification, only foreign manufacturers can seek BIS license and for products other than 133 products both foreign manufacturer and Indian importers can seek BIS licence.
(iv) Eco Mark Scheme: BIS is operating Eco Mark Scheme for labeling of household and other consumer products which meet certain environmental criteria along with quality requirements prescribed in relevant Indian standards.
(b) System Certification:
In addition to Product Certification Scheme, BIS also operates following System Certification Schemes.
(i) Quality System Certification: BIS is operating Quality System Certification Scheme against IS/ ISO 9000 series of standards. This scheme is governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 and has been accredited by Raad Voor Accreditatie (RVA), Netherlands. Under this scheme, the capability of supplier of goods or services is certified to IS/ISO 9000 series of Standards for ensuring the quality of goods and services satisfying the customer as relevant to the particular contracts entered into between the respective parties.
(ii) Environmental Management System Certification: BIS is operating EMS Certification Scheme against IS/ISO 14000 series of Standards.
(iii) Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Scheme: BIS has also launched Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Certification Scheme against IS 15000 to ensure consistent high quality of food safety, compliance with regulations, international acceptance, global competitiveness and total customer satisfaction for the food processing units.
Complaints and Grievances
BIS has a full-fledged Grievance Cell functioning at its Headquarters in New Delhi and Public Grievance Officer at all Regional & Branch Offices to provide consumers with prompt attention and speedy redressal of their grievances. In case of any complaint about the quality of its Marked products, the consumers should get in touch with the nearest office of the Bureau of Indian Standards. BIS has a system of attending the complaints and redressal by way of replacemenV repair of ISI Marked products in case the complaint is found to be genuine. Necessary actions are taken to ensure that corrective measures are taken by erring manufacturers so that other consumers are not put to inconvenience. Such complaints are also treated as feedback information on the performance of the manufacturers who are granted licence to use ISI Mark on their product(s).
ICC world cup live score
Consumer awareness at school level
From Hindu
The consumption patterns are changing fast and children today are very clear on their choices regarding food, clothing, cosmetics or accessories. Parents are increasingly permitting their children to take decisions when shopping. It then becomes very important for children to check details before buying products.
THE PROCESS of development along with the expanding globalisation and liberalisation process has increased the number of consumer related issues. Consumer protection has earned an important place in the political, economic and social agendas of many nations. In India, the Government has taken many steps including legislative, to protect consumers.
However, this is largely unknown to many citizens irrespective of whether they are educated or uneducated. With an enormous population along with high levels of poverty, unemployment and poor literacy levels, consumer awareness continues to remain low. Education is a life long process of constantly acquiring relevant information, knowledge and skills. Consumer education is an important part of this process and is a basic consumer right that must be introduced at the school level. Consumers by definition include all citizens who are, by and large the biggest group, who are affected by almost all government, public or private decisions. The most important step in consumer education is awareness of consumer rights. However, consumer education is incomplete without the responsibilities and duties of consumers, and this influences individual behaviour to a great extent. With the increasing changes in economic conditions, the children especially are becoming young consumers at an early age. Children must learn to obtain information about goods and services, understand the psychology of selling and advertising, learn to shop wisely and distinguish between wants and needs. They must also understand the alternatives of conserving and saving rather than buying and consuming.
Children are spending more of their leisure time watching television at the cost of other pursuits such as reading or sports. With the introduction of a number of specialised satellite channels, television enjoys a large viewership base consisting of children. Exposure to the marketplace as young shoppers has made most children aware of the different kinds of products that are available. Advertisements are no doubt an important source of information as they help to inform consumers about the availability of different products before making their choice. A majority of the advertisements are aimed at young children today, especially those covering food products, beverages and cosmetics (especially toothpaste/fairness creams). Advertising influences the food preferences and eating habits of children to a large extent.
Unfortunately, many advertisements make false promises, are highly exaggerated and give incomplete descriptions of products. The media, schools and parents along with consumer groups need to help children develop the ability to understand the purpose of advertising. There is so much more information available to children that they must perceive the importance of distinguishing between different sources of information.
The consumption patterns are changing fast and children today are very clear on their choices regarding food, clothing, cosmetics or accessories. Parents are increasingly permitting their children to take decisions when shopping. It then becomes very important for children to check details (for example, labels) before buying products. Children can be taught to shop wisely and a few simple precautions will ensure that they choose the right product at the right price. It is but natural that parents wish the best for their children, and strive hard to fulfil their demands. But this is not always a good idea as it affects both the parents and children in a negative way in the long run.
Consumer education also involves environmental education as it deals with the importance of conserving (natural resources) and sustaining (recycling and reusing) the environment, including the direct health effects of environmental pollution and toxic products on consumers.
Schools must incorporate consumer education into school curricula as it is important to impart the practical skills and critical ability needed to cope with social and economic changes.
The consumption patterns are changing fast and children today are very clear on their choices regarding food, clothing, cosmetics or accessories. Parents are increasingly permitting their children to take decisions when shopping. It then becomes very important for children to check details before buying products.
THE PROCESS of development along with the expanding globalisation and liberalisation process has increased the number of consumer related issues. Consumer protection has earned an important place in the political, economic and social agendas of many nations. In India, the Government has taken many steps including legislative, to protect consumers.
However, this is largely unknown to many citizens irrespective of whether they are educated or uneducated. With an enormous population along with high levels of poverty, unemployment and poor literacy levels, consumer awareness continues to remain low. Education is a life long process of constantly acquiring relevant information, knowledge and skills. Consumer education is an important part of this process and is a basic consumer right that must be introduced at the school level. Consumers by definition include all citizens who are, by and large the biggest group, who are affected by almost all government, public or private decisions. The most important step in consumer education is awareness of consumer rights. However, consumer education is incomplete without the responsibilities and duties of consumers, and this influences individual behaviour to a great extent. With the increasing changes in economic conditions, the children especially are becoming young consumers at an early age. Children must learn to obtain information about goods and services, understand the psychology of selling and advertising, learn to shop wisely and distinguish between wants and needs. They must also understand the alternatives of conserving and saving rather than buying and consuming.
Children are spending more of their leisure time watching television at the cost of other pursuits such as reading or sports. With the introduction of a number of specialised satellite channels, television enjoys a large viewership base consisting of children. Exposure to the marketplace as young shoppers has made most children aware of the different kinds of products that are available. Advertisements are no doubt an important source of information as they help to inform consumers about the availability of different products before making their choice. A majority of the advertisements are aimed at young children today, especially those covering food products, beverages and cosmetics (especially toothpaste/fairness creams). Advertising influences the food preferences and eating habits of children to a large extent.
Unfortunately, many advertisements make false promises, are highly exaggerated and give incomplete descriptions of products. The media, schools and parents along with consumer groups need to help children develop the ability to understand the purpose of advertising. There is so much more information available to children that they must perceive the importance of distinguishing between different sources of information.
The consumption patterns are changing fast and children today are very clear on their choices regarding food, clothing, cosmetics or accessories. Parents are increasingly permitting their children to take decisions when shopping. It then becomes very important for children to check details (for example, labels) before buying products. Children can be taught to shop wisely and a few simple precautions will ensure that they choose the right product at the right price. It is but natural that parents wish the best for their children, and strive hard to fulfil their demands. But this is not always a good idea as it affects both the parents and children in a negative way in the long run.
Consumer education also involves environmental education as it deals with the importance of conserving (natural resources) and sustaining (recycling and reusing) the environment, including the direct health effects of environmental pollution and toxic products on consumers.
Schools must incorporate consumer education into school curricula as it is important to impart the practical skills and critical ability needed to cope with social and economic changes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)