Why consumer education matters

Every person buys goods and services, so everyone is a consumer. Consumers often find that the quality, quantity or service falls short of the price they paid, or of what the advertisement promised.

Consumer education builds on family finance management. It teaches people to be efficient and alert consumers.

Products are multiplying in both cities and villages. Makers can no longer take consumers for granted: their reputation and profits depend on what consumers think.

Industrialisation and globalisation have raised living standards and buying power. India's markets opened to multinational companies and imports, giving more choice and competitive prices.

But more choice, new technologies and new features make choosing harder. Consumers also face malpractices, exploitation and misleading advertisements. So they must be careful, alert and well informed. More choice needs more care.