Question

A consumer should keep in mind the following responsibilities while purchasing, using and consuming goods and services. Which of the following is true about consumer responsibilities.
(A) Learn about the risks associated with products and services, follow manufacturer's instructions and use the products safely.
(B) File a complaint in an appropriate consumer forum in case of a shortcoming in the quality of goods purchased or services availed. Do not fail to take an action even when the amount involved is small.
(C) Respect the environment. Avoid waste, littering and contributing to pollution.
(D) Publishing periodicals and other publications to impart knowledge about consumer problems, legal reporting, reliefs available and other matters of interest.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (C) and (D) only
• B. (A), (B), (C) and (D)
• C. (B), (C) and (D) only
• D. (A), (B), and (C) only

Hint:

Differentiate between an individual consumer's responsibility and the functions of consumer organizations (NGOs).
Publishing journals or filing public interest litigation is done by organizations, not typical consumers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept:
Consumer protection balances legal consumer rights with corresponding ethical and civic consumer responsibilities.
Consumer responsibilities encompass the self-regulatory duties that buyers must perform to protect themselves from unfair trade practices, safety hazards, and deceptive commerce.

Step 1: Analysis of Individual Consumer Responsibilities:
Statement (A) represents a vital responsibility: every consumer should be safety-conscious, read cautionary labels, and follow operating instructions.
Statement (B) outlines a critical civic duty: buyers must lodge legitimate complaints before appropriate consumer forums even if the financial stake is trivial, thereby discouraging commercial exploitation.
Statement (C) highlights ecological responsibility: modern consumers are expected to prevent littering, minimize waste, and patronize eco-friendly products.

Step 2: Differentiating Consumer Responsibilities from NGO Functions:
Statement (D) refers to publishing periodicals, legal reports, and educational material.
This activity is an institutional function executed by consumer welfare organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and regulatory agencies to promote consumer awareness.
It is not an individual duty performed by an ordinary buyer when buying or consuming goods.

Step 3: Selection of Valid Options:
Since statements (A), (B), and (C) are legitimate consumer responsibilities while statement (D) is an NGO function, the valid combination is (A), (B), and (C) only.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Hence, option (D) is the correct choice.