Enumerate the characteristics of consumerism and outline the development of consumer movement in India

Characteristics of consumerism:

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1. Awareness: Consumers become more informed about their rights, product quality, safety standards, and environmental impact.
2. Advocacy: Consumers actively advocate for their rights and interests through various channels such as consumer organizations, social media, and legal avenues.
3. Empowerment: Consumers seek empowerment through knowledge, choice, and access to platforms that enable them to voice their concerns and influence business practices.
4. Protection: Consumers demand protection from unfair practices, misleading advertising, harmful products, and exploitative business practices.
5. Sustainability: Increasingly, consumers prioritize sustainable and ethical consumption, supporting businesses that demonstrate social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
6. Government intervention: Consumerism often leads to government intervention through the enactment of consumer protection laws, regulatory agencies, and mechanisms for dispute resolution.

Development of consumer movement in India:

1. Emergence: The consumer movement in India emerged in the 1960s and 1970s in response to concerns about unfair trade practices, adulteration of food and goods, and consumer exploitation.
2. Legal framework: The government of India enacted the Consumer Protection Act in 1986 to provide a legal framework for safeguarding consumer rights and interests.
3. Consumer organizations: Various consumer organizations such as Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS), Consumer Guidance Society of India (CGSI), and others have played a significant role in advocating for consumer rights, raising awareness, and providing support to consumers.
4. Awareness campaigns: Consumer movement in India has been driven by awareness campaigns, public interest litigation, consumer education programs, and media initiatives aimed at empowering consumers and holding businesses accountable.
5. Evolution: Over the years, the consumer movement in India has evolved to address emerging challenges such as e-commerce, digital transactions, product safety standards, and environmental sustainability.
6. Government initiatives: The government has introduced initiatives such as the National Consumer Helpline and National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) to provide grievance redressal mechanisms and promote consumer welfare.
7. Impact: The consumer movement in India has had a significant impact on improving product quality, safety standards, and business practices, while also empowering consumers to make informed choices and assert their rights in the marketplace.