Answer:
The
consumer movement arose due to the following factors
(i) Dissatisfaction of the
consumers, as many unfair practices were being indulged in by the sellers like
short weighing, black marketing, adulteration, etc.
(ii) There was no legal system available for consumers to protect them
from exploitation in ,the marketplace. If consumers were not happy with a
particular brand, product or shop, they generally avoided buying that brand or
product or would stop purchasing from that particular shop.
(iii) It was presumed that it was the responsibility of consumers
to be careful while buying a commodity or availing of a service.
The Consumer Movement in India started as a social force with
the need to protect consumers against unfair and unethical trade practices
being followed by many retailers and manufacturers.
These included creating artificial shortages, hoarding
cereals and other agricultural products, black marketing of goods and
adulteration of cooking oils and food items. Till 1986, consumer organisations
were highlighting issues by writing articles in newspapers and magazines about
these bad practices of merchants. But nowadays, as the consumers have become
more aware, the number of consumer groups have grown who have highlighted these
malpractices. In 1986, the Government of India enacted the Consumer Protection
Act, also known as COPRA. This was a major step in the Consumer Movement in
India.
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