Most of us often go to theaters, malls regularly but hesitate to buy bottled water or cold drinks there, just because of the prices. It is a common case, in multiplexes or airports, these bottles are sold at Rs 50-100, even though the actual price is just Rs 20. Ever you argued about the same anytime?

Yes, the variance in selling prices of a single commodity is always observed in India in almost every place. The prices of basic provisions like Water, beverages, and other food is almost double in multiplexes, airports, malls and cinema halls. And there were a lot of complaints recorded by the people on this burning issue recently.

Now, you need not worry as the government has come up with a solution and you don’t have to pay different prices anymore.

Yes, if you find any outlet at malls, multiplexes, airports, or restaurants selling packaged drinking water and cold drinks at a rate which is more than its maximum retail price (MRP), then you must warn them that they can be penalized or even sent to jail for this illegal act.

The government has brought in a lot of relief to people as it officially said a “NO” to companies to sell the product at different MRPs. This was after customers complained that they had to pay higher MRPs at theaters,

Reports said,

“The directive is part of the changes in the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, which will come into effect from January 1, 2018.”

Sufficient time is being given to manufacturers so that they can conveniently comply with the same. After a lot of consultations, this balanced approach was adopted.

Reports further said,

“Based on the experience of implementation of the rules and after a detailed stakeholder consultation, the department has amended the rules, aimed at enhanced consumer protection, but at the same time balancing with the requirement of ease of doing business.”

An official statement read,

“Specific mention is made in the rules that no person shall declare different MRPs (dual MRP) on an identical pre-packaged commodity unless allowed under any law. This will benefit consumers at large as they are having the complaint regarding dual MRP for an item depending upon the different type of public places like cinema hall, airport, malls etc.”

However, restaurant owners were of the opinion that this rule wouldn’t be applicable to them because, under GST, they fall under “Supplier service” category. Basically, this rule applies only to retail services wherein products are purchased off the counter.

Further, the government ordered that the size of numerals and letters must be increased so that it becomes clearer and easy to read.

Even the syringes, implants, valves, stents, tools etc will have to display MRP. This move is surely going to benefit customers a lot.

Great step by the government!

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