Consumer is the person who hires or avails of any services for a consideration which has been paid or promised or partly paid and partly promised or under any system of deferred payment. But Consumer exploitation is very rampant these days. Consumers get exploited in many ways through the more dominating and knowledgeable sources.

On the other hand, consumers have to be aware not only of the commercial aspects of sale and purchase of goods but also of the health and security aspect. Besides this, they should be aware of their rights and duties being as rational human beings viz., price and quality of products used by them, about Fair Price Shops, standardization of products, about Consumer Forums etc. Therefore, Consumer exploitation should be bought down with proper awareness to the consumers on their rights and how they could go about with things, if they feel they have been cheated.

Introduction

1.1 Rise Of Consumer Awareness

In the globalization, liberalization and privatization era, most of the economic decisions are taken by the market. Though the government has withdrawn itself from many economic activities, it interferes very often when the market mechanism fails due to structural rigidities in the economy and other factors, to provide goods and services to the people.

Consumption is one of the important economic activities, which requires regular government intervention, as the market is unable to promote security and welfare aspects of the consumers. On the other hand, consumers have to be aware not only of the commercial aspects of sale and purchase of goods but also of the health and security aspect also. Besides this, they should be aware of their rights and duties being as rational human beings.

Though the first consumer movement began in England after the Second World War, a modern declaration about the consumer’s rights was first made in the USA in the year 1962, where four basic consumer rights i.e. Choice, information, safety and right to be heard were recognized.

Ralph Nadar, a consumer activist is considered as the father of “Consumer Movement”. 15th March is now celebrated as the World Consumer Rights Day. The U.N.O. Also adopted in the year 1985, certain guidelines to achieve the objectives of maintaining protection for consumers and to establish a high-level of ethical conduct for those engaged in the production and distribution of goods and services. In India, 24th December is celebrated as “Consumer’s Day” every year.

1.2. Objectives Of The Study

The Study based on the following objectives:

To study the level of consumer awareness of the consumers in the study area
To make the students habituated about the survey work.
To make the students acquainted how different statistical tools can be applied in different socio-economic problems.

1.3 Meaning Of Consumer Awareness

Consumer awareness means awareness of consumers in different aspects of consumption activities. Consumer awareness is a broader and wider concept. It covers the followings:

a) Consumer awareness about Maximum Retail Price (MRP).

b) Consumer awareness about Fair Price Shop.

c) Consumer awareness about price, quality and expiry date of the product.

d) Consumer awareness about their rights and duties.

e) Consumer awareness about certified products like ISI, Agmark, ISO-2000

1.4. Forms Of Consumer Exploitation

Consumer exploitation is a type of exploitation in which the consumers are exploited or cheated by the business community in terms of poor quality of product, underweight, under-measurement, duplicate articles etc

Some of the common ways by which the consumers are exploited by the business community are as follows:

Underweight and under-measurement
Sub-standard quality
High prices
Duplicate articles
Adulteration and impurity
Lack of safety devices
Artificial scarcity
False and incomplete information
Unsatisfactory after sale services
Rough behavior

1.5. Factors Causing Exploitation Of The Consumers

The following are the factors that cause the exploitation of consumers:

Limited information
Limited supply
Limited competition
Low literacy

Rights and Duties of The Consumers

2.1 Rights Of The Consumers

The following are the rights of the consumers as coded in the Indian laws, which the business community has to keep in mind:

Right to safety
Right to choose
Right to seek redressal
Right to consumer education
Right to be heard
Right to be informed.

2.2 Duties Of The Consumers

In order to secure rights, consumers have to fulfill the following duties:

While purchasing goods, consumers should look at the quality of the products as well as on the warranty of the product.
They should ask for Cash Memo for the item purchased.
They should form consumer awareness organizations.
They must complain for their genuine grievances.
The must know their rights and duties.

Consumer Protection Measures

3.1. Introduction

In order to protect the interest of the consumers, the government has adopted three strategies:

Administrative measures

Technical measures

Legislative measures

3.2. Administrative Measures

Administrative measures of the government include the distribution of essential commodities through Public Distribution System (PDS). PDS is a system through which the government distributes some essential commodities at a reasonable price through the Fair Price Shop. In a free market economy, the price of a commodity is determined in the market through the free play of demand and supply. Equilibrium price is that price at which demand and supply of the commodity are equal to each other i.e. there are zero excess demand and excess supply. But sometimes government interferes in the market systems by fixing the price lower than the equilibrium price, to protect the interest of the consumers belonging to the lower strata of the society. This price is known as Control Price. When the government fixes price lower than the equilibrium price, demand exceeds supply, which leads to black-marketing and hoarding. To check these government sales different commodities at different FPS at control price.

3.3. Technical Measures

Technical measures consist of Standardization of the product. One of the important measures taken by the government to protect the consumers is the creation of institutions for setting up the standards for making and producing various products and enforcing them. In India, this has been achieved through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and Agmark. While BIS caters to the industrial and consumer goods while Agmark is meant for the agricultural products.

The Bureau of Indian Standards, earlier known as the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), whose headquarter is located at Delhi, has the responsibility of lying down the standards for industrial and consumer goods on a scientific basis and certifying the goods that meet the standards and the prescribed quality.

The Agmark is implemented under the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marketing) Act of 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 etc, carry such marks.

At the international level, an institution called International Organization for Standardization (ISI), established in 1947 located at Geneva, serves to provide such a common reference standard. All the international Companies, goods produced by them, and institutions are certified as ISO 6000, ISO 14000 etc.

For setting international food standards, there is a similar body called Codex Alimentaries Commission (CAC). This was formed in 1963 by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization(WHO), located at Rome, Italy. It develops food standards, guidelines and codes for production and international trade in food products like milk, fish etc.

3.4. Legislative Measures

Legislative measures include enactment of Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The Government enacted a specific law called the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The Act provides for the establishment of consumer disputes redressal agencies at District, State and National level for the protection of consumer interests and to redress their grievances in a speedy, simple and inexpensive manner. The Act has led to the setting up separate Department of Consumer Affairs in Central and State Government, which focus exclusively on the rights of the consumers, as enshrined in the Act.

CONSUMER COURTS

NATIONAL CONSUMER COMMISSION (National Level)

STATE CONSUMER COMMISSION (State Level)

DISTRIST CONSUMER FORUM (District Level)

Consumer Protection Act of 1986 And Case Studies

4.1. Consumer Protection Act Of 1986

The industrial revolution and the development in the international trade and commerce has led to the vast expansion of business and trade, as a result of which variety of consumer goods have appeared in the market to cater the needs of the consumers and a host of services have been made available to the consumers like insurance, transport etc. The advertisement of goods and services in T.V and other media influence the demand of same by the consumers, though there may be manufacturing defects or shortcomings in quality and purity of products or deficiency in services rendered. In spite of various provisions made providing protection to the consumers against adulterated and sub-standard articles in different enactments like Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, MRTP ACT, 1969, IPC, 1960 etc., very little could be achieved in the field of consumer protection.

In order to provide for the better protection of the interest of the consumers, Consumer Protection Bill 1986 was introduced in Lok Sabha on 5th December 1986. The Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament and got the assent of the President on 24 December 1986, popularly known as the Consumer Protection Act of 1986.

The Act of 1986, seeks to provide better protection to the interests of the consumers and for the purpose that there is Consumer Councils and other authorities for the settlement of consumer disputes and for matter connected therewith. To provide quick redressal of consumer disputes, a quasi-judicial institution is set up at all the three levels. These bodies have been empowered to give relief of a specific nature and to award, wherever appropriate, compensation to the consumers. Penalties of non-compliance of the orders given by the quasi-judicial bodies have also been provided.

4.2 Case Studies

S.L.Pati VS. Postmaster, Aligarh, Orissa(1993)

Money order not delivered in time to the concerned person is a case f deficiency in service of worst category. If this would be the normal act of the Post Office and the office, which belong to the Union Government, no one would have faith in services rendered by them. As a result, an amount of Rs250/- plus the money order amount of Rs.1000/- along with interest @ 18% was the compensation awarded to the deprived person.

K.C. Panda VS SDO, Telecom Department, Berhampur, Orissa(1994)

The telephone line was disconnected even if the bill was paid. Proceeding before District Forum, Telecom Department made an apology for the mistake occurred inadvertently. But, in spite of apology, an amount of Rs. 2000/- was the compensation awarded to the person concerned by the Telecom Department.

Data Base and Methodology

5.1 Collection Of Data

The project report is based on primary data collected by the students of Class 11th Commerce, KV No. 2, CRPF, BBSR. Data collected by the investigator for his own purpose, for the first time, from beginning to end is called primary data. According to Wessel, “Data originally collected for the purpose of the investigator are known as primary data”. When data collected by the others are used by others for their use or investigation then it is known as secondary data.

5.2 Sampling Technique Used

The total number of households selected for the project is 80. These household has been selected by the sampling method. There are two statistical inquiry methods:

Census Method
Sampling Method

Census method is that method in which data are collected covering every item of the universe or population relating to the problem under investigation. The sampling method is that method in which data are collected about samples or a group of items taken from the population. There are different types of sampling techniques such as random sampling, quota sampling, stratified sampling, deliberate sampling etc. But for the project concerned deliberate sampling method is used. This is also called judgment sampling. According to this method, for selecting a sample no specific procedure is used, rather the investigator, according to his own desire selects those households which represent the universe fully.

5.3. Statistical Tools Used

For analysis of data simple percentage method and arithmetic average is used.

Percentage:

Gt-Gt-1

Percentage increase/decrease= _________ X 100

Gt-1

Gt= Value of the Variable in time period t

Gt-1= Value of the Variable in time period t-1

Arithmetic Average (Mean):

Sum of all the values of different items in the series

Arithmetic Mean= ____________________________________________

Total number of items

X1+ X2+………………………+Xn

= _____________________________

N = å Xi i = 1, 2, 3………….n

i=1

Besides mean and percentage, different types of diagrams like bar diagram, pie-diagram etc. has been used to represent data in a simple and systematic manner.

Pie Diagram:

Pie diagram is a circle divided into various segments showing the values of a series.

The degree measure of an item= % value of an item X 3.60

5. 4 Limitations Of The Study

The study is based on primary data, collected by the Students 11th Commerce, K.V.No.2, CRPF, Campus, BBSR. Each Student of the Class interviewed two consumers, one representing his/her father/mother and the other representing his neighbor. The study area of the project is limited to Bhubaneswar city only. The sample size of the project is 80 only. So, the sample of the project is very small.

Since the study is limited to Bhubaneswar city only, all the respondents are of urban background.

Analysis and Interpretation Of Data

Socio-Economic Conditions Of The Households

a) Tabular presentation of Data

The total number of households surveyed for the purpose is 80. Each student of 11th Commerce conducted survey work. Each student interviewed the head of the family relating to different aspects of consumer awareness mentioned in the questionnaire.

Table No. 1 represents the total family members of the surveyed households. Table No.2 represents the occupational status of the head of the household. Table No.3 represents the educational qualifications of the head of the household. Table No.4 represents the educational status of total households surveyed. Table No.5 represents the income level of surveyed households.

Total family members of the surveyed households are 420, out of which 220 are female and 200 are male. The average family size of the household 5.35. The total number of persons interviewed is 80, out of which 68 belong to the service class. Out of these 68 families, 3 female members are interviewed for the purpose as male members are staying outside the station. Two families are from big business class whereas 10 are from small business family out of 12 business family interviewed.

Out of total 80 of the families interviewed 55 are highly qualified. They are Graduate, Post Graduate, and even some posses Professional and Technical qualifications. Out of the total, 23 are at Primary and Secondary level, whereas 2 are illiterate. Out total family members 190 are Graduate, Post Graduate, and Professionally and Technically qualified. Again, 170 members are at Primary and Secondary or Higher Secondary level, whereas 10 are illiterates. Rest 20 belong to below 5 years and hence are not mentioned in the educational status. Table No. 5 represents the distribution of income levels of surveyed households. Out of a total 80 families 10, 60, 10 belong to low income, medium income, and high-income group respectively.

Table No. 1

Sex-wise Family Members of the Households

Sex(M/F)	Family Members	Average family Size
Male	200	2.5
Female	220	2.75
Total	420	5.25

Table No.2

Occupational Status of the Head of Households

Occupation	No. of Households	Percentage (%)
Services	68	85
Big Business	02	2.5
Small Business	10	12.5
Total	80	100

Table No. 3

Educational Level of Head of families

Qualification	No. of Households	Percentage (%)
Illiterate	02	2.5
Primary	13	16.25
Secondary	10	12.5
Tertiary	55	68.75
Total	80	100

Table No.4

Educational Status of Family Members

Qualifications	No. of Persons	Percentage (%)
Illiterate	10	2.5
Primary	30	7.5
Secondary	170	42.5
Tertiary	190	47.5
Total	400	100

Table No.5

Income Level of the Households

Income level	No. of Households	Percentage(%)
Below 5000(Low)	10	12.5
5000-20000(Medium)	60	75
20000-and above(High)	10	12.5
Total	80	100

b) Diagrammatic Presentation of Data

Different types of diagrams are used to represent the data. Diagram No. 1, a Bar Diagram represents sex-wise family members of the households. Diagram No.2, a Pie Chart represents the occupational structure of the head of the households. Diagram No.3 and 4 are the Pie Charts represents the income level of head of households and educational status of head of households respectively. Diagram No.5 and 6 are the Bar diagrams represents the educational status of the whole family and income level of head of households.

Diagram No.1 Diagram No.2

Sex-wise Family Members Occupation Structure

Diagram No.3 Diagram No. 4

Income Level of Head of Households Educational Status of Head of Households

Table No.5 Table No.6

Educational status whole family Income of head of Households

6.2. Consumer Awareness Of The Households

Tabular Presentation of Data

Table No. 6 represents the preferred use of toothpaste, Table No. 7 represents the influence of different agencies on families while purchasing a different brand of toothpastes used by the surveyed households and Table No.8 represents different aspects of consumer awareness in day to day life of the surveyed households.

Table No.6

Preferred use of Toothpaste

Brand	No. of Households	Percentage(%)
Close-up	30	37.5
Colgate	22	27.5
Pepsodent	12	15
Anchor	06	7.5
Others	08	10
Total	80	100

Table No.7

Source of influence on the Purchase of different Brand of Toothpaste

Sources	No. of Households	Percentage(%)
TV	56	70
Newspaper	06	7.5
Magazine	10	12.5
Others	08	10
Total	80	100

Table No. 8

Different aspects of Consumer Awareness

Consumer Awareness	Yes	No
Knowledge about Certified Products	65(81.25%)	15
Check MRP, Expiry and Manufacturing date	68(85%)	08
Knowledge about Fair Price Shop	60(75%)	20
Check ingredients used	35(43.75%)	45
Knowledge about Consumer Courts	77(96.25%)	03
Ever gone to Consumer Court	10(12.5%)	70
Insist cash Memo for Consumable goods purchased	57(71.25%)	23

From table No.6, it is evident that highest percentage of families i.e. 37.5% prefer Close-up followed by Colgate with 27.5%. Income and occupation factor did not influence the purchase or consumption of toothpaste of Close-up or Colgate. However, in case of lower income group, out of 10, 6 families use either Anchor or Promise and they prefer to it as it cost less than other brand of toothpastes.

On the other hand, quality of product is important for high and medium income group, using Close-up and Colgate. Besides, quality of product and price, choice of children also taken into account while using the Colgate or Close-up for about 20% of the households. Majority people come to know about the product through advertisement on TV, followed by magazine, newspaper and other agencies as evident from Table No.7.

Table No.8 depicts different aspects of consumer awareness i.e. about standardization, MRP, date of manufacturing and expiry, knowledge about Consumer Courts, rights and duties of the consumers etc. Out of total families, 81.25% of families check MRP, date of manufacturing and expiry. However, 56.25% of people interviewed, check the ingredients used in the product.

As far as Consumer Court is concerned, a majority of them (96.25%) have knowledge about it but only 10 out of total respondents have gone to the Consumer Court to redress their problems on different occasions.. Lastly, it is clear from Table No. 8 that majority of households(71.25%) surveyed, insist for Cash Memo at the time of purchase. However, it is limited to non-consumable durable items and some consumable items when large quantity is purchased.

2. Diagrammatic Presentation Of Data

Use of different brand of toothpaste used by the surveyed households depicted in Diagram No.7 and source of influence on the purchase of different brand of toothpaste is depicted in Diagram No.8. in the form of a Pie-Chart.

Diagram No. 7 Diagram No.8

Use of different Brand of toothpaste Source of influence on different brand of Toothpaste

Summary and Conclusion

The objective of this project is to assess the people of different class in the society about different aspects of consumer awareness viz., price and quality of products used by them, about Fair Price Shop, standardization of products, about Consumer Forum, about their Rights and Duties etc. Consumers will lead a happy, healthy and prosper life if they fully aware about the above mentioned aspects.

For the project report, total number head of households interviewed is 80 and all belong to urban area. Out of total head of family interviewed, 78 are literate whereas only 2 are illiterate. All belong to different income group i.e. high, medium and low income group. However, majority of them belong to medium income group(75%). Again, on the basis of occupation, 85% of respondents are government servants whereas other are businessmen.

Close-up is the most preferred brand(37.5%) of toothpaste followed by Colgate(27.5%) among the surveyed households. Households from medium and high income group prefer respective brand of toothpaste taking into account the quality of the product and wishes of their children also. On the other hand, for the low income group, the most important factor that determines the use of toothpaste is the price of the product. Again, majority of respondent(70%) are influenced by the advertisement about the product and the important media is Television.

As far as consumer awareness is concerned, majority of respondents have knowledge about certified products, check MRP, date of manufacturing and expiry at the time of purchase. However majority of them do not check about the ingredients used in the product. On the other hand, majority of them have the knowledge of Consumer Courts, but out of total respondents only 10 have ever gone to the Consumer Courts for complaining about different commodities they purchased and consumed. Lastly, it is evident from the study that, majority of them insist for Cash Memo at the time of purchase, but, it is limited to consumer durable goods and for consumer non-durable goods when large quantities of goods is purchased.

To conclude, people are concerned about different aspects of consumer awareness i.e. their rights and duties, certified products, MRP, date of manufacturing and expiry of the products they used, Consumer Courts etc as far as urban area is concerned.

Educational implications of the study is that every students as well as parents should be aware about different aspects of different commodities they consume in day-to-day life. They should have knowledge about certified products, Check MRP, date of manufacturing, and expiry at the time of purchase of a commodity. They must have awareness about their rights and duties. This project report will give a preliminary idea about survey work to the students. Lastly, students will get an idea about how statistical techniques can be used in different socio-economic problems.

Bibiliography

Prof. S.P. Gupta, “Statistical Methods”, S.Chand and Company Ltd, 1994, New Delhi.

S.Mishra and V.K.Puri, “Indian Economy”, Himalaya Publishing House, Mumbai,2000

Ruddar Dutt and K.P.M. Sundharam, “Indian Economy”, S. Chand and Company Ltd., 1994.

Statistics for Economics, Textbook for Class XI, NCERT, New Delhi, 2005.

Indian Economic Development, Textbook for Class XI, NCERT, New Delhi,2005.

The Consumer Protection Act 1986, the Law House, New Delhi.

Contemporary India, A Social Science Textbook for Class X, NCERT, New Delhi,2003.

Economic Survey, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Planning and Co-ordination Department, Government of Orissa, 2006-07.

Class 10 Project (Topic- Consumer’s Awareness)