National Consumer Rights Day is observed annually on December 24th in India, underscoring the importance of consumer protection, fair trade practices, and the empowerment of consumers. This year, the observance takes on special significance with the theme “Virtual Hearings & Digital Access to Consumer Justice,” focusing on protecting consumer rights in the digital era.
Date and History
National Consumer Rights Day commemorates the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act of 1986, a landmark legislation introduced to safeguard consumer interests and ensure access to justice in the marketplace. Signed into law by the then-President of India on December 24, 1986, this act laid the foundation for addressing grievances related to goods and services and promoting fair treatment for consumers.
Since then, December 24th has been celebrated as National Consumer Rights Day, reflecting the continuous commitment to building a marketplace that prioritizes fairness, transparency, and consumer welfare. This year, the day falls on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.
Significance of National Consumer Rights Day
The day serves as a reminder of the fundamental rights every consumer is entitled to under the Consumer Protection Act. These include:
- Right to Security – Protection against hazardous goods and services.
- Right to Information – Access to accurate information about products and services.
- Right to Choose – Assurance of access to a variety of goods and services at competitive prices.
- Right to Voice – The ability to be heard and represented in decision-making processes.
- Right to Grievance and Redressal – Mechanisms to address and resolve consumer complaints.
- Right to Education – Awareness and knowledge about consumer rights and responsibilities.
In an era marked by the rapid growth of e-commerce and digital services, this year’s theme—“Virtual Hearings & Digital Access to Consumer Justice”—emphasizes the need to address challenges faced by consumers in online marketplaces, ensuring their rights are protected even in virtual spaces.
Key Initiatives for 2024
To commemorate National Consumer Rights Day 2024, several groundbreaking initiatives will be launched:
- Safety Pledge by E-Commerce Giants: Top executives from 13 leading e-commerce platforms, including Reliance Retail, Tata Sons, Zomato, Ola, and Swiggy, will sign a safety pledge to uphold consumer rights and eliminate unfair practices.
- Digital Tools for Consumer Protection: The Department of Consumer Affairs will unveil:
- ‘Jago Grahak Jago App’ – A user-friendly mobile application empowering consumers with resources and grievance redressal tools.
- ‘Jagriti App’ and ‘Jagriti Dashboard’ – Advanced platforms to monitor and combat deceptive practices, ensuring greater transparency in the marketplace.
These digital initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing consumer protection in the age of digital transactions and virtual interactions.
A National Call for Consumer Awareness
Over the years, National Consumer Rights Day has expanded its focus to include a variety of awareness campaigns, educational programs, and consumer-centric activities aimed at empowering individuals to make informed choices.
This year’s observance aims to strengthen the dialogue around digital justice, ensuring that as India advances technologically, consumer rights remain a priority. It is a collective reminder of the responsibility shared by consumers, businesses, and policymakers to create a marketplace driven by ethics, accountability, and transparency.
As India celebrates National Consumer Rights Day 2024, the focus remains on building a future where consumer empowerment and digital justice go hand in hand, ensuring a fair and inclusive economy for all.