There are various ways in which the objective of consumer protection can be achieved:
1. Self Regulation by Business: Socially responsible firms follow ethical standards and practices in dealing with their customers. 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 Conference of Indian Industries (CII) have laid down their code of conduct which lays down for their members the guidelines in their dealings with the customers.
3. Consumer Awareness: A consumer, who is well informed about his rights and the reliefs, would be in a position to raise his voice against any unfair trade practices or exploitation.
4. Consumer Organisations: Consumer organizations play an important protecting role in educating consumers about their rights and providing protection to them. These organizations can force business firms to avoid malpractices and exploitation of consumers.
5. Government: The Government can protect the interests of the consumers by enacting various legislations. The legal framework in India encompasses various legislations which provide protection to consumers. The most important of these regulations is the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The Act provides for a piece of three-tier machinery at the District, State and National levels for redressal of consumer grievance.
