Tag: social studies

BIS Hallmark is a purity certification of gold and silver articles in accordance with Indian Standard specifications. The Bureau of Indian Standards, the country's apex standards body, is involved in the development of technical standards (popularly known as Indian Standards), product quality and in all matters concerning standardisation, certification and quality. Gold and silver articles are evaluated and tested at an official Assaying and Hallmarking Centre and then certified that the metal used conforms to the national and international standard of fineness and purity.

Right to Safety means the right to be protected against the marketing of goods and services, which are hazardous to life and property. The purchased goods and services availed of should not only meet their immediate needs but also fulfil long-term interests. Before purchasing, consumers should insist on the quality of the products as well as on the guarantee of the products and services. They should preferably purchase quality marked products such as ISI, AGMARK, etc.

In October 2005, the Indian government passed a law known as RTI (Right to Information). It gives us the right to know about the functioning of various departments in the government offices. The basic object of the Right to Information Act is to empower the citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government, contain corruption, and make our democracy work for the people in real sense. 

ISI mark is a certification mark for industrial products in India. It is the most popular and recognized certification mark in India. This mark ensures that the product conforms to the Indian standards mentioned by Indian Standard Institute. LPG Cylinders, Electrical equipment, Packaged foods and drinking water, Thermometers, Packaged Grocery items, Kitchen appliances and equipment etc are some general products with ISI mark.

The Woolmark brand is for compliant products containing wool. The Woolmark logo is a certification trademark and products that carry it is tested at independent Authorised Laboratories and approved by The Woolmark Company. The brands provide consumers with guaranteed fibre content and an assurance of quality. Thus, consumers can be assured that the products which carry the mark have been rigorously tested and awarded a mark of independent quality.

Consumer Education means the right to acquire the knowledge and skill to be an informed consumer throughout life.Ignorance of consumers, particularly of rural consumers, is mainly responsible for their exploitation. They should know their rights and must exercise them. Only then real consumer protection can be achieved with success.

RTI Bill was passed in Lok Sabha on 11th May 2005, and in Rajya Sabha on 12th May 2005. It received the assent of President of India on 15th June 2005 and was published in the Gazette of India on 21st June 2005. RTI Act, 2005 came into force with effect from 12th October 2005 and known as Right to Information Act, 2005. It is derived from our fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 of the Constitution. The Act mandates timely response to citizen requests for government information.

The Right to be Heard gives the consumer the right to represent himself or to be heard or the right to advocate his interest. In case a consumer has been exploited or has any complaint against the product or service then he has the right to be heard and be assured that his/her interest would receive due consideration. This right includes the right to representation in the government and in other policy-making bodies. Under this right, the companies must have complaint cells to attend the complaints of customers.

Right to Choose means the right to be assured, wherever possible of access to a variety of goods and services at competitive price. According to this right, every consumer has the right to choose the goods or services of his or her likings. The right to choose means an assurance of availability, ability and access to a variety of products and services at competitive price and competitive price means just or fair price. The producer or supplier or retailer should not force the customer to buy a particular brand only. The consumer should be free to choose the most suitable product from his point of view.