Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Factors that gave birth to the consumer movement in India:

The consumer movement arose due to dissatisfaction of consumers as many unfair trade practices were being indulged in by sellers, with no legal system available to protect them. Rampant food shortages, hoarding, black marketing, and adulteration of food and edible oil gave birth to the organised consumer movement in the 1960s.

Evolution from 1960s to 1970s:

In the 1960s, the movement emerged as a social force to protect consumers against unethical practices. Till the 1970s, consumer organisations were largely engaged in writing articles, holding exhibitions, and forming consumer groups to look into malpractices in ration shops and overcrowding in road passenger transport.

Source: Consumer Rights, Consumer Movement

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• The question has two parts — factors and evolution — address both for full marks.
• Key factors to mention: no legal protection, unfair trade practices, food shortages, hoarding, black marketing, adulteration.
• For evolution: 1960s = organised movement begins; 1970s = articles, exhibitions, consumer groups checking ration shops. Don't go beyond 1970s unless asked.
• Avoid writing about COPRA (1986) here — it's beyond the time frame asked.