World Consumer Rights Day

World Consumer Rights Day History

World Consumer Rights Day seeks to promote the fundamental rights of consumers across the globe. Established under the aegis of the global consumer advocacy group, Consumers International, the aim is to ensure that consumers are not subjected to market abuses or social injustices which undermine their rights. This day is critical for raising global awareness about consumer rights and needs, focusing on issues like product safety, quality, fair trade practices, and the dissemination of accurate information.

World Consumer Rights Day has a rich history dating back to 1962 when former US President John F Kennedy outlined the rights of consumers in a special message to the US Congress. Recognised globally on 15th March, the day became even more significant for India post economic liberalisation in the 1990s, when the market was flooded with a variety of national and international products. The observance targets to ensure that every Indian consumer is aware of their rights, enabling them to make informed decisions, and prevent their exploitation by unscrupulous businesses.

In India, World Consumer Rights Day is observed with a multitude of activities centred on consumer education and awareness. The department of Consumer Affairs, government organizations, and various non-profits hold workshops, campaigns, and seminars to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities. Special stress is given on problems faced by Indian consumers such as misleading advertisements, online frauds, and spurious goods. World Consumer Rights Day occurs every year on 15th March.

Facts about World Consumer Rights Day

• The theme for World Consumer Rights Day in 2024 was Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers. The theme in 2023 was Empowering Consumers Through Clean Energy Transitions.
• According to Consumers International, several consumer rights should be upheld:
  The right to satisfaction of basic needs
  The right to safety
  The right to be informed
  The right to choose
  The right to be heard
  The right to redress
  The right to consumer education
  The right to a healthy environment
• Consumers International was founded in 1960 to celebrate World Consumer Rights Day. Their vision for the future is to achieve advocacy for 3 issues: sustainability, digitalization, and inclusion.
• In commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day, Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan was appointed as the brand ambassador for the ‘Jaago Graahak Jaago’ campaign in 2016 organized by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
• On World Consumer Rights Day 2020, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution in India emphasized the theme of "The Sustainable Consumer", focusing on how consumers can contribute to sustainable development.

In the News and Trending in India for World Consumer Rights Day

Top things to do in India for World Consumer Rights Day

• Watch videos about the impact of the digital world such as Building a digital world consumers with trust.
• Become a member of the Consumers Internationals organization
• Join in on Awareness Campaigns: Various consumer rights organizations and government bodies in India conduct awareness campaigns to educate people about their rights as a consumer. These could be in the form of workshops, seminars, street plays, etc.
• Read a book to learn more about consumer rights:
  Consumer Protection Act: Law for Consumer in India - by Subash Agarwal
  Consumer Protection and the Law - by Dee Pridgen
  The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 with Late - by MLH Paras Diwan