(i) In India, the consumer movement as a social force originated with the necessity of protecting and promoting the interest of consumers against unethical and unfair trade practices. (ii) Rampant food shortages, hoarding, black marketing, adulteration; the malpractices of food and edible oil gave birth to the consumer movement in an organized form in the 1960s. (iii) Till the 1970s, consumer organizations were largely engaged in writing articles and holding exhibitions. They formed consumer groups to look into malpractices in ration shops.