question_answer

Explain with examples how the Government of India protects the interests of the consumers by standardisation of products.                                                                                                    [Foreign 2006, AI 04]

Answer:

Standardisation of products is an important measure taken by the government to protect the consumers from lack of quality and varying standards of goods. For this purpose following institutions have been created for setting up the standards for making and producing various products and enforcing them:

(i) The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) whose headquarters is located in New Delhi has the responsibility of laying down the standards for industrial and consumer goods on a scientific basis and certifying the goods that meet the standards and the prescribed quality. In case of dissatisfaction with the quality of a certified product a consumer can complain to the nearest regional office of the BIS.

(ii) Ag mark is implemented under the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act. 1937 as amended in 1986. This scheme is run by the Directorate of Marketing and Intelligence (DMI) in the ministry of agriculture Government of India. Products such as honey masala and spices carry such marks.