How Does The Consumer Movement Empower Individuals Against Exploitation?
Short Answer:
The consumer movement gives ordinary people the confidence, knowledge, and legal tools to stand up against unfair practices by businesses. It helps you say, “No more!” when someone cheats you – whether it’s overcharging, selling fake products, or denying you your rights.
Detailed Answer:
Alright, let’s be honest – earlier, if you bought a broken mixer or got cheated at a petrol pump, what did people do? Grumble a bit and move on. But thanks to the consumer movement, you don’t have to silently suffer anymore.
This movement has taught people that they have real rights – the right to safety, the right to information, the right to choose, and the right to complain if something goes wrong. I still remember when my sister got a faulty smartphone and the shopkeeper refused to exchange it. She simply filed a complaint in the consumer forum – and got her money back in a few weeks.
It also gives you access to consumer courts and helplines. You don’t even need a lawyer for small cases. And those campaigns – like “Jago Grahak Jago” – actually make you aware of how not to get fooled.
So now, businesses think twice before messing with customers, because anyone – even a student with just pocket money – can challenge them.
That’s the power the consumer movement gives you: not just your money back, but your self-respect too. It reminds you – in the market, you’re not just a customer… you’re someone who matters.