A STUDY ON THE ORGANIZATION AND WORKING OF CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCIES: A STUDY OF VISAKHAPATANAM DISTRICT FORUM

Abstract

Consumerism has received much attention in recent business literature. There is a general conviction that marketing frauds against consumers were widespread in our country and constitute a problem of major national concern. The feeling is not that business practices have changed significantly but rather that the public is increasingly unwilling to tolerate exploitation. Most of the consumers in India are not literate, vigilant or well informed. They lack knowledge, ability, experience and the buying capacity when compared to the Western countries. Wherever little consumer education is that one can see is restricted to literate urban consumer which lacks completely in rural consumers. The present Study focuses on efficacy of the Redressal Agencies in general and Visakhapatnam District Forum in particular and its findings on complaints filed by consumers in relation to defect in goods, deficiency in service, unfair trade practice and restrictive trade practice. Study makes critical evaluation of the organization and functioning or working conditions of Redressal Agencies in general and District Consumer Forum Visakhapatnam in particular and study also attempts to give appropriate suggestions to concerned authorities to take suitable steps in improving the working conditions of the said forum and it also helps to consumers to know their rights.