When we buy commodities we find that the price charged is sometimes higher er
lower than the Maximum Retail Price printed on the pack. Discuss the possible
reasons. Should consumer groups do something about this?
2. Pick up a few packaged goods that you want to buy and examine the information
given. In what ways are they usetul? Is there some information that you think
should be given on those packaged goods but is not? Discuss.
3
People make complaints about the lack of civic amenities such as bad roads on
poor water and health facilities but no one listens. Now the RTI Act gives you the
power to question. Do you agree? Discuss.
Answers
Answer:
1)The possible reason for higher price may be overcharging by the retailer from an ignorant customer. The possible reason for a price lower than Maximum Retail Price (MRP) may be due to bargaining by the customer, or a discount being given by the retailer to increase his sale.
Consumer groups should pressurise the dealers to ensure that no dealer charges more than the MRP under any
condition. They should in fact put pressure on dealers to reduce their margins and charge lesser than the MRP as far as possible.
2)The information given on the package can he useful as follows
(i) Maximum Retail Price (MRP) The seller cannot ask you to pay more than this amount.
(ii) Expiry date and date of manufacture You can tell whether the product is old and also whether you can
safely use it.
(iii) Ingredients used You should know what is used in making the product so that, in case some ingredient does not suit your health condition, you can avoid it. Examples are sugar for diabetes and salt for high blood pressure patients.
(iv)Address of manufacturer If the product is defective and the seller does not replace it, you can contact the manufacturer for redressal of your complaint.
On all products, especially medicine and food items, additional information regarding safe and proper use should be mentioned. Usually this is not mentioned.
3)Yes, I agree that it gives us the power to find out how the government departments work so that we can approach the correct agency which will repair the bad road, ensure adequate and clean water supply or improve the health facilities. The RTI Act helps us to approach the concerned department to get the work done