NCERT Book Class 10 Social Science (Economics) Chapter 5 Consumer Rights

NOTES FOR THE TEACHER
CHAPTER 5 : CONSUMER RIGHTS

This chapter proposes to discuss the issue of posters collectively is another way to think about
consumer rights within the context of the ways these issues. This lesson contains activities,
markets operate in our country. There are many which require visits — visit to consumer
aspects of unequal situations in a market and protection councils, consumer organisations,
poor enforcement of rules and regulations. District/State/National level Consumer
Hence, there is a need to sensitise learners and Disputes Redressal Commissions, retail shops,
encourage them to participate in the consumer marketplaces, etc. Organise the visits to
movement. This chapter provides case histories maximise learners’ experience. Have a
— how some consumers were exploited in real discussion with them about the purpose of the
life situation and how legal institutions helped visit, things they need to do beforehand and
consumers in getting compensated and in things that need to be collected and the task
upholding their rights. The case histories would (report/ project / article, etc.) they would carry
enable the students to link these narratives to out after the visit. As part of this chapter, the
their life experiences. We have to enable learners may do letter-writing and speaking
students to understand that the awareness of activities. We may have to be sensitive to the
being a well-informed consumer arose out of language aspect of exercises.
consumer movement and active participation of
people through their struggles over a long This chapter contains material collected
period. This chapter also provides details of a from authenticated websites, books, newspapers
few organisations helping consumers in different and magazines. For example,
ways. Finally, it ends with some critical issues affairs.nic.in is a website of Central Government
of the consumer movement in India. Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public
Distribution. Another website www.cuts-
Aspects of Teaching / Sources of international.org is the website of a consumer
Information organisation working in India for 40 years. It
publishes a variety of material to create
This chapter has questions, case studies and
consumer awareness in India. They need to be
activities. It would be preferred that students
shared among learners so that they can also
discuss these in groups orally. Some of these
collect material as part of their activities. For
could be answered in writing individually.
example, case histories were taken from
While carrying out each activity you could newspaper clippings and consumers who fought
start with a brainstorming session about the in Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions.
activity. Similarly, there are many opportunities Let learners collect and read such material from
for roleplay in this chapter and this could be a different sources: consumer protection councils,
useful way to share their experiences and Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions
understand the issues at a deeper level. Making and internet.

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