PERSONAL FINANCE AND CONSUMER STUDIES (THEORY)

Paper Code: 
CHSC 315
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 
  • To familiarize the student with the changing socio-economic environment and

consumer behavior.

  • To strengthen the financial management practices of the students for wise consumer

behavior.

  • To develop an understanding of the types of markets, changing concepts of markets,

changes in socio-economic environment, and marketing strategies from consumer’s

perspective.

  • To have an overview of the consumer problems, consumer movement and consumer

protection                                                                                                                       

12.00
Unit I: 
Introduction to family financial system
  • Family wants-elements of wants, Factors affecting and characteristics, Classification of wants
  • Family Finance management
  •  Family Finance Management: Records to aid the process

 

12.00
Unit II: 
Family Income and Expenditure
  • Family  income, credit and  budgets
  • Factors influencing expenditure pattern
  • Family savings and investments- need principles, channels of investment, tax

            implications

  • Consumer credit- need, sources, credit cards, Housing finance
  • Personal finance management – tax implications, calculation of personal income tax,

             wealth tax, inheritance & gift tax

 

12.00
Unit III: 
Consumer in India

Definition of a consumer

  • Role of consumers in the economy
  • National Income, Per Capita Income, Household wise distribution of income
  • Changing nature of the business world –e-commerce, e-business
  • Role and responsibilities of the Home Maker as a Consumer

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
Consumer Problems and Consumer Education
  • Types of consumer problems – products and service related, deceptive, institution and

               market related, policy related, investment and infrastructure related.

  • Causes and solutions to consumer problems
  • Consumer education- objectives and strategies
  • Empowerment of consumers through education and awareness
  • Consumer behaviour- factors affecting, models
  • Role of family in decision making
  • Guidelines for wise buying practices                   

 

12.00
Unit V: 
Consumer Protection
  • Consumer protection and movement in India
  • Consumer rights and responsibilities
  • Consumer organizations – origin, functioning, role and types.
  • Consumer cooperatives – role, history and growth in India, PDS Kendriya Bhandars.
  • Basic legislative framework for consumer protection in India, Consumer Protection

            Act 1986 COPRA, Alternative redressal mechanisms, Mediation centres

  • Standardization and quality control measures: ISI, FPO, AGMARK, ISO, Eco mark,

            Wool mark, Silk mark, Cotton mark, Handloom mark, BEE star labelling and others

  • Buying aids- labels, packaging, advertising, buying guides

      

Essential Readings: 
  1. Khanna S.R., Hanspal S., Kapoor S. &Awasthi H.K., 2007Consumer Affairs, Universities Press IndiaPvt. Ltd.
  2.  Sawhney, H.K. & Mital, M.,2007, Family Finance & Consumer Studies, Elite Publishing House Pvt.Ltd.
  3.  Seetharaman, P. and Sethi, M.,2001, Consumerism: Strength and Tactics:CBS Publications New Delhi

                            

Academic Year: