National Consumer Day 2024: Empowering Consumers Through Digital Access
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News | Every year, 24th December marks National Consumer Day in India. For 2024, the theme is "Virtual Hearings & Digital Access to Consumer Justice". |
| Key Initiatives for 2024 | Launch of Jago Grahak Jago App, Jagriti App, and Jagriti Dashboard by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi to enhance consumer awareness and digital access. |
| Historical Significance | First celebrated in 2000 to commemorate the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. The Consumer Protection Act of 2019 added provisions for e-commerce and mediation. |
| Consumer Rights | 1. Right to Safety: Protection from hazardous goods and services.<br>2. Right to be Informed: Accurate details about products and services.<br>3. Right to Choose: Freedom to select goods. |
| 4. Right to be Heard: Representation in forums addressing grievances.<br>5. Right to Seek Redressal: Remedies for unfair practices.<br>6. Right to Consumer Education: Awareness of rights. | |
| Consumer Protection Laws | 1. Consumer Protection Act, 1986 & 2019: Establishes councils and dispute mechanisms.<br>2. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: Ensures food safety.<br>3. Legal Metrology Act, 2009: Standards. |
| 4. Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA): Investigates violations of consumer rights. | |
| Dispute Redressal Mechanisms | - District Commission: Handles disputes up to ₹1 crore.<br>- State Commission: Handles disputes between ₹1 crore to ₹10 crore.<br>- National Commission: Handles disputes above ₹10 crore. |
| Activities for Consumers | 1. Awareness Campaigns: Participate or host events promoting consumer rights.<br>2. Share Experiences: Inform others about unfair practices through blogs or posts. |