Consumption

 Consumption is common currently, both as a term and as a concept. It can mean either a commercial transaction or it can also mean the fuel a vehicle needs. This particular car/mobike is better, they would say, because its 'consumption' is better, in that it beeds/uses less gas aka petrol.

Once upon a time, not so very long ago, consumption could mean tuberculosis,as the patient would lose weight drastically. In a way, whichever way you look at it, consumption includes burning up, be it physical energy, fuel or money.

In the fields of finance/economics/commerce, however, consumption/consumer has a positive angle to it. It comes etymologically from 'consumere' in Latin which means to enjoy. 

Why all this discussion? Well, recently was celebrated the consumer day which puts a high value on the rights of the consumer. In a way,  Industrial Revolution onwards and with the emergence and flourishing of capitalism, consumption, consumer, consumerism have become central concepts.

In a way, today's high consumerism in India was fed by the LPG process. Suddenly opened up before the buyer a huge bazzar of goods, services, and what have you. The internet revolution made the market still more accessible to the common buyer.

In the process emerged the need for consumer care/protection, for his/her rights against the MNC/TNC conglomerates and their advertising mechanisms. Hence the relevance of the day. The consumer court, which bolsters this right, is indeed a h(e)aven for the common man. 

For one thing, unlike the courts, it acts faster. It has state level grievance redressal centers. Most importantly, the common complainant does not need a lawyer!(S)he can present her/his case. There have been many such victories as well. There are, moreover, many support systems such as the 'Grahak Peth'. Long live, in brief, the rights of the consumer! Hence this bit of the theory behind the praxis common today!

Pratima@ Principles and fair deals make markets ethical.