UPSC
On This Day Today
World Consumer Rights Day 2025
Last Updated
17th March, 2025
Date Published
15th March, 2025

Key Initiatives and Developments in Consumer Protection
- Introduction
- Date: Observed annually on March 15.
- Purpose: To promote and protect consumer rights globally.
- Historical Context: First observed in 1983, commemorating President John F. Kennedy's 1962 address recognising consumer rights.
- Theme for 2025
- Theme: “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles.”
- Focus: Emphasises the need for sustainable and healthy lifestyle choices that are accessible and affordable, while upholding consumer rights.
- Key Initiatives by the Department of Consumer Affairs, India
Consumer Protection Act, 2019:
- Replaced the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
- Establishes a three-tier quasi-judicial system (District, State, Central Consumer Commissions) for consumer dispute redressal.
- Aims for speedy resolution of complaints (3 months for non-testing cases, 5 months for testing cases).
Consumer Welfare Fund:
- Provides financial assistance to promote consumer welfare.
- ₹32.68 crore released in FY 2024-25 to establish State Consumer Welfare Funds in 24 States and 1 UT.
- Strengthening Grievance Redressal Mechanisms
E-Daakhil Portal:
- Launched to facilitate online filing of consumer complaints.
- Streamlines the grievance redressal process, making it paperless and efficient.
National Consumer Helpline (NCH):
- Upgraded to NCH 2.0 with AI-powered features for better complaint handling.
- Available in 17 languages, allowing consumers to register complaints via multiple channels (toll-free number, WhatsApp, SMS, etc.).
- Partnered with over 1000 companies for expedited grievance resolution.
Jaago Grahak Jaago Portal and App:
- Provides information on e-commerce safety and alerts consumers about unsafe URLs.
- Consumer Protection in E-Commerce
E-Commerce Guidelines:
- Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020, outline responsibilities of e-commerce entities and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023:
- Issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to prevent deceptive practices in e-commerce.
BIS Draft Standard on E-Commerce:
- Establishes principles for ethical online marketplaces, ensuring transparency, fair practices, and consumer rights protection.
- Conclusion
- As India observes World Consumer Rights Day 2025, the focus is on creating a safer, more transparent, and consumer-friendly economy through robust consumer protection measures and initiatives.
Source – PIB