The Right to Consumer Education: A deeper look into Indian consumer law

The Right to Consumer Education is one of the most foundational and empowering rights granted to Indian consumers under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

While other rights protect against harm or unfairness, this one equips consumers with the knowledge and awareness they need to understand, assert, and defend all their other rights effectively.

The fact is that a well-informed consumer is less likely to be misled, cheated, or exploited. They are also more likely to make demand accountability and participate in improving market practices.

What does the “Right to Consumer Education” mean?

The “Right to Consumer Education” means that every citizen has the right to access:

• Accurate information about their rights and responsibilities as consumers
• Awareness of the laws and legal remedies available for grievances
• Knowledge of safe consumption practices, product standards, and redressal mechanisms
• Training in how to file complaints, read product labels, understand warranties, and spot fraud

It aims to create a conscious, informed, and vigilant consumer base that can protect itself and promote ethical business practices.

Legal frameworks supporting the right

Several laws and agencies work together to protect this right.

1. Consumer Protection Act, 2019

The Consumer Protection Act recognises Consumer Education as one of the six core rights. It thus empowers the Central and State Governments to promote awareness through programs, school curricula, and public campaigns.

2. Consumer Welfare Fund (CWF)

The CWF was Created under the law in order to finance education initiatives, including workshops, publications, and outreach activities. It is funded by a portion of unclaimed excise and customs duties, and other government grants.

3. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and other regulators

The BIS and some other regulators run awareness campaigns to educate consumers on identifying quality certifications, understanding product safety, and avoiding counterfeit goods.

Government initiatives promoting consumer education

1. Jago Grahak Jago Campaign

Launched by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, “Jago Grahak Jago” (meaning “Wake Up, Consumers, Wake Up”) is an iconic campaign that uses TV, radio, newspapers, and digital platforms to spread awareness.

From reading MRP and expiry dates, understanding warranties and guarantees, to avoiding fake or duplicate products, the campaign tries to address a range of topics to change consumer behaviour. It also helps people understand how to file complaints in consumer forums. 

2. National Consumer Helpline (NCH) – 1800-11-4000

The NCH Provides free guidance on consumer issues in multiple languages and helps users understand their rights and legal options. 

3. E-Daakhil Portal

The  E-Daakhil Portal is a government digital portal that teaches consumers how to file complaints online, track cases, and access legal support.

4. School and College Programs

Consumer clubs have been set up in schools and colleges to educate students about rights and responsibilities. Curriculum integration at secondary and higher education levels is also underway to promote consumer literacy from a young age.

Application in practice

How do these initiatives promoting and raising awareness of the “Right to Consumer Education” actually translate to consumer cultures and different industries and sectors?

1. Urban vs. Rural Gap

Urban consumers often benefit more from digital and media outreach, while rural areas still face low levels of awareness due to literacy barriers and limited access to media.

For this reason the existence of NGOs and local bodies play a key role in grassroots education.

2. Digital Consumer Education

Social media, YouTube, and government portals now provide video explainers, infographics, and webinars to educate a wider audience. Focus areas include e-commerce safety, UPI fraud awareness, and health and safety standards.

Challenges to implementation

Despite government efforts, many challenges remain when it comes to the “Right to Consumer Education”.  

Low awareness persists, especially in rural and marginalised communities, and language and literacy barriers limit access to official materials. For the average consumer, complex legal processes can still be intimidating or confusing. 

And while it is improving, lack of consumer education in formal schooling is still not widespread

Why the “Right to Consumer Education” matters

Consumer education is not just about protecting oneself, it’s about strengthening the entire marketplace. An educated consumer:

• Prevents exploitation by recognizing scams and deceptive practices
• Demands accountability from sellers and service providers
• Encourages ethical competition by making informed choices
• Inspires others in their community to assert their rights

In a country as diverse as India, where markets are rapidly evolving, especially online, consumer education is no longer optional; it’s essential.

Conclusion

The Right to Consumer Education is the foundation on which all other consumer rights rest. Without knowledge, rights exist only on paper. But when consumers are informed, they become active participants in shaping a fair, transparent, and accountable economy.

India has made significant strides in promoting this right, but more needs to be done to ensure equity in awareness and access, especially for the underserved.

An informed consumer isn’t just someone who avoids being cheated: they’re someone who helps ensure no one else gets cheated either.