Frequently Asked Questions
Consumer Protection Act
Definition of Consumer under the Act:
A person who buys any goods or services for a consideration which has been paid or promised or partly paid and partly promised or under any system of deferred payment is a Consumer.
Note:
A person who obtains such goods for resale or for any commercial purposes will not be a consumer. However, if such goods are bought by a person exclusively for the purpose of earning his livelihood by means of self-employment then such a person will be considered as a consumer.
What are the activities carried out by the Government of Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department towards Consumer Education?
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Operating a State level Consumer Information Centre
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Conducting Consumer Education programmes through AIR, TV and pint media
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Spreading awareness among children through formation and promotion of consumer clubs in Educational Institutions
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Regular conducting of seminars, workshops and interactions with Voluntary Consumer Organisations, Service providers stake holders on consumer issues
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Legal intervention on behalf of consumers in important issues to protect their interests as contemplated under Consumer Protection Act, 1986
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Quality testing of product and services to assess and to initiate remedial measures for any unfair trade practices and issue alerts
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Sustainable consumption campaign amongst all segments of the public
What are the functions of the Consumer Clubs in schools / colleges?
Consumer Clubs have to be activated through some structured activities. Active Consumer Clubs may go beyond this and also take up innovative activities. The following basic structure of functioning is recommended:
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Monthly meetings and demonstrations for one hour after school hours on the First Thursday of each month. Each month a topic / activity may be scheduled as in the model calender.
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Days of National and International importance to consumers may be celebrated in the School / College. Poster / Speech / Essay competitions can be organised at school level by the Consumer Club.
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Field visits to local markets / Consumer Courts and door to door campaign in the local community etc., may be organized for atleast 4 days in a year. It can be done on Saturdays by prior arrangement.
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Minutes of each activity have to be recorded by the Student and Teacher Co-ordinator jointly to document.
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A Consumer Club notice board shall be opened to be updated daily by the teach and students with consumer related news.
Where to obtain further details regarding Consumer Protection:
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Through website in www.fcamin.nic.in, www.core.nic.in
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You may contact your District Collector and the Chairman, District Consumer Protection Council and also the Voluntary Consumer Organisation of locality with valid reputation
