Main means of consumer protection are as under:
i. Self Regulation by Business: Every firm insists to have a strong consumer base which means that more and still more people should buy their products. This is possible only when the consumers are fully satisfied with the products of the firm. With this purpose in view the firms ban all types of undesirable activities that can be harmful to the consumers. In addition to this, consumer service and a grievance cell is also established to handle consumers’ problems. In this way, business regulates itself and acts to protect consumers’ interests.
ii. Business Associations: Business associations prepare a code of conduct for businessmen. It is laid down in the code of conduct as to how businessmen are expected to behave with the consumers. For example, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) have proposed their code of conduct which govern the attitude of their members towards consumers.
iii. Consumer Awareness: As an important means of consumer protection, consumer should protect himself. He should be alert in the matter of his rights. Alert consumer alone can demand his rights from the sellers. Thus, the consumer himself must know his rights and raise voice against unfair practices of the sellers.
iv. Government: Interests of the Consumers are protected by the government by enacting various legislations. Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is an important legislation by the government to provide protection to the affected consumers. Under the provisions of the Act, Consumer Protection Councils have been set up by the Central and State Governments for the protection of the rights of consumers. On the recommendation of the amendment of the Consumer Protection Act, 2000 these councils are also to be constituted at district level by the State Governments. Under the Act, there is a provision of Three-tier Judicial Machinery to redress the grievances of the consumers in a simple, speedy and inexpensive way; namely,
A. District Forum at district level.
B. State Commission at state level.
C. National Commission at national level.
