State any six functions performed by consumer organization working in the field of consumer protection.

Or

Non-Government Organizations perform several functions for the protection and promotion of interests of consumers. State any six functions performed by them.

These consumer organisations perform the following functions:

(i) Accelerating Consumer Awareness/Educating Consumers: The first priority of consumer organisation is to accelerate consumer awareness towards their rights. To accomplish this task following efforts are made:

(a) To publish brochures, journals and monographs.

(b) To arrange conferences, seminars and workshops.

(ii) Collecting Data on Different Products and Testing them: These organisations collect samples of different products from time to time and test them. After that the results of tests are declared to public. In this way, these organisations provide prior information to consumers about the authenticity of product and protects them.

(iii) Filing Suit on behalf of Consumers: Whenever a consumer fails to raise his voice of protection regarding his complaints, these consumers’ organisations come to his rescue and file a case in the court. They also run voluntary complaint centres for the guidance of consumers.

(iv) Helping Educational Institutions: These organisations tell the educational institutions the way to prepare courses of study keeping in view the interests of the consumers. They stress the fact that a special chapter on consumers’ interest should always be added to the courses on general study.

(v) Promoting network of Consumer Associations: Consumer organisations are trying to grow their numbers. They want to cover all regions so that consumers of all regions are benefited by their services.
(vi) Extending Support to Government: Consumer organisations by informing government agencies about adulteration, artificiality, inferior quality products and other such evils helps government. This helps government to conduct proceedings on time.