Yomge Chisi

ITANAGAR, Aug 17: It might not shock the people in Arunachal Pradesh when the items in the retail shops are sold at much higher prices than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP). Soft drinks and other beverages are sold at much higher prices than their actual MRP. The shopkeepers usually charge Rs 5 to Rs 10 more than the actual prize for beverages and when questioned why the extra, they often justify saying it’s for cooling charge or for transportation.   

Overcharging or alteration of a printing price is a serious offence and a retailer can be prosecuted under the law of Metrology Rules (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 and can be heavily fined. A Legal Metrology Inspector is assigned for the designated area. Once the complaint is received immediate action will be taken against the retail shop.

“According to data collected by the Department of Legal Metrology Department and Consumer Affairs, Naharlagun, there are only 115 to 116 complaints from consumers registered in their office since 1986 till date,” said K.P Tago, Assistant Controller of the Metrology Department and Consumer Affairs when asked about the role of the Department on the issue.

He further added that the people in Arunachal Pradesh have no value for money and they tend to take amounts of Rs 5 to Rs 10 very lightly. Even if they are bothered about overpricing they won’t lodge a complaint in the office. There’s a lack of participation and negligence from the people in the state regarding MRP, he said and added that people should come forward with their complaints and then only the department can play its part.

‘In our publicity campaign we try our best to create a clear market atmosphere with our slogan “Jago Grahak Jago”. We have provided a toll free number 1800-345-3601, where an aggrieved consumer can seek guidance or lodge a complaint against a retailer. Multiple publicity campaigns have been carried out to create public awareness, especially in rural areas of the state even though they have less staff members and lack proper transportation facilities,’ Tago said.

Even with efforts made by the Department of Metrology, public awareness on the issue and their interest seems diminutive. The consumer still has no clue where to get justice from or where they can register a complaint against the violator. Or they don’t bother.

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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