MCQs – Class 10 Economics Chapter 5: Consumer Rights | CBSE | GPN

🧠 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - Chapter 5: Consumer Rights

This set of 30 questions evaluates your understanding of consumer rights, exploitation, consumer movement, legal frameworks (COPRA, RTI), and standards (ISI, Agmark) as per the CBSE syllabus.

Standard MCQs (1 Mark Each)

Choose the single correct option for questions 1 to 15.

COPRA stands for:

(a) Consumer Protection Act

(b) Consumer Production Act

(c) Consumer Prevention Act

(d) Consumer Promotion Act

Answer: (a) Consumer Protection Act
Explanation: COPRA stands for the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. This landmark legislation was enacted to protect consumers from exploitation and provide a mechanism for grievance redressal.
When was the Consumer Protection Act enacted in India?

(a) 1956

(b) 1986

(c) 1991

(d) 2005

Answer: (b) 1986
Explanation: The Consumer Protection Act (COPRA) was enacted in 1986. It was a major step in the Indian consumer movement, giving consumers legal rights and establishing consumer courts.
Which of these is a right of consumers?

(a) Right to safety

(b) Right to be informed

(c) Right to choose

(d) All of the above

Answer: (d) All of the above
Explanation: Consumers have six rights under COPRA: Right to Safety, Right to be Informed, Right to Choose, Right to be Heard, Right to Seek Redressal, and Right to Consumer Education.
The right to be protected against marketing of hazardous goods is:

(a) Right to safety

(b) Right to be informed

(c) Right to choose

(d) Right to seek redressal

Answer: (a) Right to safety
Explanation: Right to safety protects consumers against goods and services that are hazardous to life and property. Examples include electrical appliances with ISI mark, drugs with expiry dates, etc.
ISI mark is given for:

(a) Agricultural products

(b) Industrial products

(c) Food products

(d) All products

Answer: (b) Industrial products
Explanation: ISI (Indian Standards Institute, now Bureau of Indian Standards) mark certifies the quality of industrial products like electrical appliances, LPG cylinders, cement, etc.
Agmark is used for:

(a) Electrical goods

(b) Food products

(c) Agricultural products

(d) Both (b) and (c)

Answer: (d) Both (b) and (c)
Explanation: Agmark is a certification mark for agricultural products in India, assuring they conform to quality standards set by the Government of India. It covers food products like honey, butter, oils, cereals, etc.
Which right gives consumers access to information about quality, quantity, purity, standard and price of goods?

(a) Right to safety

(b) Right to be informed

(c) Right to choose

(d) Right to consumer education

Answer: (b) Right to be informed
Explanation: Right to be informed means consumers should have complete information about the product they are buying - ingredients, manufacturing/expiry dates, price, directions for use, etc.
Hallmark is used for:

(a) Jewellery

(b) Food products

(c) Electrical goods

(d) Textiles

Answer: (a) Jewellery
Explanation: Hallmark is a purity certification for gold and silver jewellery in India. It certifies the precious metal content (like 22 carat gold) as per Bureau of Indian Standards.
The consumer courts at district level are called:

(a) District Consumer Court

(b) District Forum

(c) District Commission

(d) District Consumer Commission

Answer: (b) District Forum
Explanation: Consumer courts in India have three levels: District Forum (for claims up to ₹20 lakhs), State Commission (₹20 lakhs to ₹1 crore), and National Commission (above ₹1 crore).
When is National Consumers' Day celebrated in India?

(a) 15 March

(b) 24 December

(c) 15 October

(d) 26 January

Answer: (b) 24 December
Explanation: National Consumers' Day is celebrated on 24 December in India, marking the day when the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 received Presidential assent.
RTI stands for:

(a) Right to Information

(b) Right to Intervene

(c) Right to Inspect

(d) Right to Interrogate

Answer: (a) Right to Information
Explanation: RTI stands for Right to Information Act, 2005 which empowers citizens to seek information from government authorities, promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
Which right ensures that consumers can approach consumer courts for compensation?

(a) Right to be heard

(b) Right to seek redressal

(c) Right to safety

(d) Right to choose

Answer: (b) Right to seek redressal
Explanation: Right to seek redressal gives consumers the right to get compensation or replacement for defective products or deficient services through consumer courts or other mechanisms.
What is the maximum claim amount that can be filed in District Forum?

(a) Up to ₹5 lakhs

(b) Up to ₹20 lakhs

(c) Up to ₹50 lakhs

(d) Up to ₹1 crore

Answer: (b) Up to ₹20 lakhs
Explanation: District Forums handle consumer complaints where the value of goods/services and compensation claimed is up to ₹20 lakhs. Above this, cases go to State Commission.
Which organization sets standards for products in India?

(a) BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards)

(b) FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)

(c) AGMARK (Agricultural Marketing)

(d) All of the above

Answer: (d) All of the above
Explanation: Different organizations set standards: BIS for industrial products (ISI mark), AGMARK for agricultural products, and FSSAI for food safety. All help ensure product quality and safety.
What does adulteration mean?

(a) Adding inferior substances to food products

(b) Proper packaging of goods

(c) Giving discounts on products

(d) Advertising products

Answer: (a) Adding inferior substances to food products
Explanation: Adulteration means mixing inferior, harmful, or cheaper substances with food products to increase quantity or reduce cost. It deceives consumers and can be harmful to health.

Assertion-Reasoning Questions (1 Mark Each)

Directions: For questions 16 to 25, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Choose the correct option:

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A

(b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A

(d) A is false but R is true

Assertion (A): Consumers need to be alert and questioning while buying goods and services.
Reason (R): Sellers may use unfair practices to maximize their profits at the expense of consumers.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Since sellers often use misleading ads, adulteration, underweight packaging, etc., to increase profits (R), consumers must be vigilant and informed to protect themselves, as stated in A.
Assertion (A): The consumer movement in India grew out of dissatisfaction of consumers.
Reason (R): There was widespread food shortage, hoarding, black marketing and adulteration in the 1960s.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Consumer movement emerged as response to rampant exploitation (food shortages, black marketing, adulteration in R), which caused consumer dissatisfaction leading to organized protests as stated in A.
Assertion (A): Consumer courts have been set up at district, state and national levels.
Reason (R): These courts provide speedy and inexpensive redressal of consumer grievances.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Consumer courts were established at three levels (A) specifically to offer accessible, quick, and affordable justice to consumers (R), which explains their hierarchical structure.
Assertion (A): ISI, Agmark, and Hallmark logos help consumers get assured quality.
Reason (R): These are quality certification marks issued by government organizations.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Certification marks (ISI for industrial goods, Agmark for agriculture, Hallmark for jewellery) are government quality assurances (R) that help consumers identify safe, standard products as stated in A.
Assertion (A): Right to Information Act is a powerful tool for consumers.
Reason (R): It allows citizens to get information about government departments' functioning and take action against malpractices.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: RTI enables citizens to access government information (R), which helps expose corruption and inefficiency in public services, making it a crucial consumer empowerment tool as stated in A.
Assertion (A): Consumers have the right to choose from a variety of goods at competitive prices.
Reason (R): This right protects consumers against monopolistic practices where only one product is available.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Right to choose ensures availability of multiple options (A) to prevent monopoly situations where consumers are forced to buy a single product at any price, as explained in R.
Assertion (A): Consumer awareness is spreading slowly in India.
Reason (R): Most purchases in rural markets are made on credit, making consumers vulnerable to trader exploitation.
Answer: (b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Both statements are true but unrelated. Consumer awareness spreads slowly due to factors like illiteracy, not specifically because of credit purchases. R describes a different vulnerability.
Assertion (A): The consumer movement requires voluntary efforts and participation.
Reason (R): Consumer organisations and NGOs play an important role in educating consumers and fighting for their rights.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Consumer movement depends on active citizen participation (A), which happens through consumer organizations and NGOs that educate and advocate for rights, as described in R.
Assertion (A): Manufacturers need to display product information clearly.
Reason (R): Consumers have the right to be informed about what they are purchasing.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Because consumers have right to information (R), manufacturers must provide details like ingredients, dates, instructions, etc., on product packaging as stated in A.
Assertion (A): Globalization has increased the responsibility of consumers.
Reason (R): With more products from different countries available, consumers need to be more careful about quality and standards.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation: Globalisation brings diverse products with varying standards (R), requiring consumers to be more vigilant about checking quality, certifications, and origins, increasing their responsibility as stated in A.

Case-Based Questions (1 Mark Each)

For questions 26 to 30, read the case/source carefully and answer.

Case: "Ramesh bought a pressure cooker without ISI mark because it was cheaper. While using it, the cooker exploded, causing injuries to his wife. When he complained to the seller, he was told that since he bought a non-ISI product, he was responsible."
What consumer right was violated, and what should Ramesh have done?

(a) Right to safety violated; should have bought ISI-marked product

(b) Right to choose violated; had freedom to buy any product

(c) No right violated; buyer's responsibility

(d) Right to be informed violated; seller didn't explain properly

Answer: (a) Right to safety violated; should have bought ISI-marked product
Explanation: This violates right to safety. Consumers should always check for safety certifications (ISI for pressure cookers) before buying. Non-ISI products may not meet safety standards, risking lives.

Case: Study the steps for consumer grievance redressal:

Step	Action
1	Approach seller/service provider with complaint
2	If unresolved, approach consumer forum with complaint and evidence
3	District Forum hears case (for claims up to ₹20 lakhs)
4	Can appeal to State Commission, then National Commission

What does this process demonstrate about consumer protection?

(a) Consumers have no recourse for complaints

(b) There is a structured legal system for consumer grievance redressal

(d> The process takes many years

Answer: (b) There is a structured legal system for consumer grievance redressal
Explanation: COPRA established a hierarchical, accessible system for consumer complaints - from direct complaint to seller up to national-level courts, providing organized legal protection to consumers.

Case: "A company advertised 'Herbal Hair Oil' claiming it would regrow hair in 30 days. Many consumers bought it but saw no results. Tests revealed it contained only coconut oil with coloring, no herbal ingredients."
Which consumer rights were violated in this case?

(a) Right to safety and right to choose

(b) Right to be informed and right to seek redressal

(c) Right to consumer education only

(d> All consumer rights

Answer: (b) Right to be informed and right to seek redressal
Explanation: The false advertisement violated right to be informed (misleading about ingredients/effects). Consumers can exercise right to seek redressal by demanding refund/compensation through consumer court.
Case: "In a village shop, Preeti found that the 1 kg sugar packet weighed only 900 grams. The shopkeeper said all packets are like that. Other villagers accepted this as normal practice."
What does this situation reveal about consumer awareness?

(a) Consumers are highly aware of their rights

(b) Lack of consumer awareness leads to acceptance of exploitation

(c) Underweight products are legal

(d) Rural consumers don't need protection

Answer: (b) Lack of consumer awareness leads to acceptance of exploitation
Explanation: This shows how low consumer awareness, especially in rural areas, allows sellers to continue unfair practices (underweight packaging) while consumers accept them as normal rather than asserting their rights.
Case: "Under COPRA, a three-tier quasi-judicial system was established. Consumers can file cases themselves without lawyers. The forums are expected to decide cases within 90 days if no testing is required, and 150 days if testing is needed."
What advantages of consumer courts does this highlight?

(a) They are expensive and time-consuming

(b) They provide accessible, speedy justice without requiring legal representation

(c) Only large complaints can be filed

(d) They favor businesses over consumers

Answer: (b) They provide accessible, speedy justice without requiring legal representation
Explanation: Consumer courts are designed to be user-friendly: simple procedures, no lawyer needed, specified time limits (90-150 days), making justice accessible and timely for common consumers.

📘 Final Practice and Mastery Tips

Six Rights: Memorize all six consumer rights with examples for each.

Certification marks: Learn which mark applies to which products (ISI, Agmark, Hallmark, FSSAI).

Legal framework: Understand COPRA provisions, consumer court structure (District, State, National), and claim limits.

Practical application: Relate concepts to real-life shopping experiences - checking expiry dates, labels, bills, certifications.

Current awareness: Stay updated on recent consumer issues, new laws, and landmark court judgments related to consumer protection.

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