NCERT Book Class 12 Home Science Chapter 20 Consumer Education and Protection

CONSUMER EDUCATION AND PROTECTION

 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this chapter the learner will be able to –

•  understand the importance and role of Consumer Education and Protection
•   explain the basic concepts related to Consumer Education and Protection
•   analyse the knowledge and skills needed for a career in this field
•  understand the scope and career options.

INTRODUCTION

All of us purchase a variety of goods and services to satisfy our needs and desires. Hence, every human is a natural consumer. Have you, your parents or friend experienced any problem where, even after paying for the goods, you found that the quality was not as per your expectations for the price paid or the quantity supplied was less than what was promised? Did you pay for some services which appeared attractive in the advertisement but in reality fell far short of the image portrayed? Under such circumstances what was your reaction? Did you feel frustrated and cheated? What did you do? Did you take any action, draw attention of the manufacturer /service provider to the problem you experienced? Did they give you a hearing and take any kind of corrective measures? Were you satisfied? If not, did you feel that the situation could have been better if you had some support? Let us try to find answers to these questions.

You have already learnt in Class XI about family finance management incorporating money income, its management, savings and investment, credit and also realised how important it is to get maximum satisfaction on spending each penny that you earn. Consumer education teaches you to be an efficient and alert consumer.

Significance of Consumer Education and Protection

Look around and you will find that the number of products being manufactured and sold is steadily increasing in both urban and rural markets. We are all aware that manufacturers are responsible for supplying good quality products and if there is a problem, consumers have the right to redressal. Manufacturers can no longer take consumers/customers for granted. With increasing number of consumers and volume of consumption of goods and services, manufacturers/suppliers/service providers have begun to realise that it is important to respect and satisfy the ‘consumer’, since the reputation of the company and its profits are determined by consumer opinion. India has been transforming from an underdeveloped to a developing economy. Much of this can be attributed to industrialisation and globalisation. These economic changes have improved the standard of living along with increased buying power. We are living in a ‘global village’ and facing the challenges of global markets. The march towards ‘global economy’ necessitates a global outlook on the part of consumers who cannot sit back and watch. They have to emerge as a progressive force to ensure their welfare. They have to understand the economic system and inter relationships of individuals with each other, with business and with government. It is necessary for today’s consumer to be careful, alert and be well informed. Consumer education and protection have thus become important.

Further, the Indian government has become liberal and opened the doors to foreign companies. Thus we can see a variety of products, made by multinationals that have established their manufacturing/assembly units in India or imported items, on the shelves of many stores. This has advantages but, at the same time, there are disadvantages. On the positive side the Indian consumer has much to choose from and can look for better products with competitive pricing.

Click on the below link to download NCERT Class 12 Home Science Chapter 20 Consumer Education and Protection