Q.Explain the responsibilities of a consumer.

Consumer protection is a two-way process — the law gives the consumer rights, but the consumer must also act responsibly to enjoy those rights. A responsible consumer stays informed, buys carefully, keeps proof of purchase, complains against genuine grievances and behaves ethically.

Responsibilities of a Consumer

1. Ask for a cash memo / bill — A consumer should always insist on a cash memo or bill for goods and services purchased. It is proof of purchase and is essential while making a complaint or claiming a guarantee/warranty.

2. Be aware and ask questions (Consumer awareness) — A consumer should gather information about the product's quality, price, weight, ingredients and terms before buying, and should not blindly believe advertisements. Being alert prevents exploitation.

3. Read labels and buy standardised (quality-marked) goods — A consumer should read the information on labels such as price, quantity, date of manufacture and expiry, and should prefer products carrying quality marks like ISI, Agmark and Hallmark to be assured of quality.

4. Make genuine complaints — A consumer must lodge a complaint for any genuine grievance regarding defective goods or deficient services and should approach the proper redressal forum. False or exaggerated complaints should be avoided.

5. Assert against exploitation — A consumer should not accept overpricing, adulteration, short weights or misleading claims silently, but must assert his rights and take action.

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