FICCI and CII are examples of which way of consumer protection?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Business associations
Option (1) Consumer organisations — Incorrect. Consumer organisations are bodies that educate consumers and protect them, such as CuTS, Jaipur. FICCI and CII are bodies of business firms.
Option (2) Self-regulation by business — Incorrect. Under self-regulation, socially responsible firms follow ethical standards on their own, for example through their own grievance cells. FICCI and CII are associations of many firms that set a code for their members, so this is not self-regulation.
Option (3) Government — Incorrect. The government protects consumers by enacting measures such as the Act, the helpline and the CCPA. FICCI and CII are not government bodies.
Option (4) Business associations — Correct. FICCI and CII are associations of trade, commerce and business. They have laid down a code of conduct that guides their members in dealing with customers.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “1. Self-regulation by Business: Socially responsible firms follow ethical standards and practices in dealing with their customers Good and ethical practices encourage firms to realise that it is in their long-term interest to serve the customers in a rightful manner. Many firms have set up their customer service and grievance cells to redress the problems and grievances of their consumers.” “2. Business Associations: The associations of trade, commerce and business like Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce of India (FICCI) and Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) have laid down their code of conduct which lay down for their members the guidelines in their dealings with the customers.” |