Why in News? 

It is celebrated on the 15 March every year to raise global awareness about consumer rights and needs. 

Theme: "A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles." 

History  

World Consumer Rights Day was first celebrated in 1983 to mark the anniversary of U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s speech in 1962, where he introduced four key consumer rights: 

• Right to Safety – Protection from harmful goods and services. 
• Right to Information – Access to accurate product details.  
• Right to Choose – Freedom to select from various products. 
• Right to Be Heard – The right to raise concerns and complaints.  

Significance  

With e-commerce and digital transactions growing rapidly, consumer protection is more important than ever. World Consumer Rights Day 2025 reminds people to stay informed, demand fair treatment, and hold businesses accountable for ethical practices. 

Key Consumer Protection Initiatives 

• Eco-labelling & Greenwashing Regulation – Ensuring fair sustainability claims. 
• E-commerce Consumer Protection – Rules to prevent unfair trade practices. 
• Consumer Grievance Portals – Platforms like E-Daakhil & e-Jagriti for easy complaint resolution. 
• Stronger Regulations – Guidelines against misleading ads & dark patterns in online sales. 
• Quality Assurance – BIS initiatives like hallmarking, product recalls & quality standards. 

Sustainability & Consumer Awareness 

• Encouraging Reduce, Reuse, Recycle for sustainable living. 
• Mission LiFE – Promoting a shift from ‘use-and-dispose’ to a circular economy. 
• Jago Grahak Jago & Jagriti Mascot – Spreading consumer awareness. 

Improving Consumer Grievance Redressal 

• National Consumer Helpline (NCH) 2.0 → NCH 3.0 – Reducing resolution time from 45 to 7 days. 
• ₹1454 Crore Refund for Air Tickets – During the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• E-commerce Safety Pledge – Companies ensuring quick consumer issue resolution.