World Consumer Rights Day 2024: Theme, History, and 6 Basic Rights One Must Know

The World Consumer Rights Day is observed annually on March 15 across the globe. As the name suggests, this day serves as a reminder of adequate information regarding the quantity, quality, purity, potency, price, and standard of the commodity including the importance of protecting consumer rights. World Consumer Rights Day empowers consumers by raising awareness about their rights and responsibilities in the marketplace. It also highlights the need for fair and ethical business practices, holding businesses accountable for upholding consumer rights.

World Consumer Rights Day 2024 Theme

This year, the theme selected by Consumers International for World Consumer Rights Day 2024 is ‘Fair and responsible AI for consumers.’ This theme highlights the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at breakneck speed and the need to move quickly to ensure a fair and responsible AI future when it comes to consumer rights.

Therefore, World Consumer Rights Day aims to highlight concerns like privacy violations, misinformation, and discriminatory practices, as well as how AI-driven platforms can spread false information and prolong biases.

World Consumer Rights Day 2024: History

The seeds of World Consumer Rights Day had been planted by former President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, on March 15, 1962, while addressing consumer rights before the US Congress. This was the first time a world leader spoke about consumer rights. This day was first observed on March 15, 1983, and since then, the United Nations has recognised and endorsed World Consumer Rights Day on a global scale. To raise awareness about consumer rights, various events have been organized on national and international levels.

World Consumer Rights Day 2024: Significance

This day is celebrated to raise awareness about the existing rights of consumers, which can safeguard them from falling prey to unfair practices, discrimination, and exploitation. World Consumer Rights Day also encourages people to know more about protecting their rights and ensuring that they can take measures for grievance redressal.

World Consumer Rights Day 2024: Basic Consumer Rights

Consumers have certain legal rights for grievance redressal in case they are not pleased by their purchase or have been cheated with a counterfeit item. These rights help compensate aggrieved consumers and prevent unfair trade practices. Check 6 basic consumer rights here.

1. Right to SafetyThis right ensures that consumers are protected from hazardous products available in the market in order to safeguard their long-term interests. Manufacturers and sellers are obligated to adhere to safety standards and regulations. The quality marks for products in India are the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), AGMARK, FPO mark, etc.
2. Right to be InformedThe consumer can insist on receiving clear and accurate information about the products and services they purchase. This includes details like price, quantity, quality, potency, purity, manufacturing/ expiration dates, and any potential risks or side effects of the product to protect themselves from trade malpractice.
3. Right to ChooseIt is the right of a consumer to choose freely from a variety of products and services offered in the market at fair prices.
4. Right to be HeardConsumers have the right to voice their concerns and complaints regarding products or services they are unhappy with. They can file complaints with relevant authorities, and with proper consideration, they will be provided with the appropriate forum to do so.
5. Right to Seek RedressalIf a consumer’s rights are violated, they have the right to seek compensation or a proper settlement.
6. Right to Consumer EducationIt is the duty of the customer to be aware of their legal rights. Therefore, the right to consumer education entails acquiring relevant skills and knowledge. This empowers consumers to make informed choices and protect themselves from unfair practices.