World Consumer Rights Day 2023: Theme, Objective and Everything You Need To Know

Every year on March 15, the world observes World Consumer Rights Day to increase awareness of consumer concerns and rights. Governments all throughout the world raise awareness of consumer demands and rights on this day. The day also aims to increase awareness of consumer rights violations caused by market activities and what more can be done to give consumers more power.

The Consumer Protection Act of 1986, which provides some fundamental consumer rights, was passed by the Indian government. India observes National Consumers Rights Day on December 24 each year.

World Consumer Rights Day: History

The idea for International Consumer Rights Day originated with President John F. Kennedy. On March 15, 1962, he spoke before the US Congress and specifically brought up consumer rights. He did so first among all world leaders. The first World Consumer Rights Day was observed in 1983. Since then, every year on March 15, it has been observed throughout the world.

World Consumer Rights Day Timeline

1960- The Beginning of Consumers International-Elizabeth Schadee started the International Organisation of Consumers Unions (I.O.C.U.), later becoming Consumers International, a global federation of consumer organisations.

1962- President Kennedy Makes an Iconic Speech-President Kennedy formulates the four fundamental consumer rights.

1983- The First World Consumer Rights Day-The first World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated.

1985- Approval of General Guidelines-The United Nations approves the general guidelines for consumer protection.

World Consumer Rights Day 2023: Theme

The theme of World Consumer Rights Day 2023 is "Empowering consumers through clean energy transitions".

Objective of World Consumer Rights Day

World Consumer Rights Day is an annual international celebration of consumer rights that serves as a rallying point for the global consumer movement's call for the protection and respect of consumer rights. The occasion also offers a chance to voice opposition to the social inequities and market abuses that undercut such rights.

The significance of Consumer Rights Day in India

The Consumer Act and National Consumer Rights Day have done a lot to safeguard consumers from being taken advantage of by businesses engaging in dishonest business practises. Among unfair trading practises are:

supplying fake goods.

adopting dishonest methods.

not providing accurate invoices for products or services purchased.

refusing to accept damaged products back.

revealing the client's private information.

History of India's Consumer Rights Day

The Consumer Protection Act was established by the Parliament in 1986, which is when Consumer Rights Day in India first began. In order to shield consumers from commercial exploitation, this Act established consumer rights. The whole background and timeline of National Consumer Rights Day are provided below:

In 1991, 1993, and 2002, the Consumer Protection Act had minor modifications before undergoing a comprehensive revision.

The Consumer Protection Act 2019 replaced the Act on July 20, 2020, to broaden the scope of consumer rights.

The term "unfair contract" has also been established by the 2019 Act. This shields customers from contract clauses that are unfair and infringe on their rights.

So, it's against the law to impose an unfair requirement that disadvantages one party.

In addition, the 2019 Act added a new provision that was absent from the 1986 Act that was repealed, namely, deceptive internet advertisements.

Advertisements that intentionally omit key details or provide false claims about a product or service are considered deceptive.

It is legal for the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to take legal action against deceptive marketing and levy fines and penalties as necessary.

The government emphasises commemorating National Consumer Rights Day as a means of defending consumers' interests.

The annual celebration of Consumer Rights Day raises consumer awareness of their rights and how to avoid or combat unfair business practices. Hence it's necessary to celebrate this day.