Question : Dual MRP Policy for Bottled Water

(a) whether the Government is aware of the firms having dual MRP policy for bottled mineral water, beverages and packaged goods i.e. a higher MRP for the same product to be sold in Malls, Airports etc. if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereof;
(b) whether the major manufacturers of bottled packaged water have sought some relief from the Government on dual MRP and if so, the details of the same and the name of the companies involved in it;
(c) whether any committee has been constituted for redressal of complaints received regarding goods being sold at prices exceeding the Maximum Retail Price and if so, the details thereof;
(d) the number of complaints received from the States including Madhya Pradesh and Bihar in this regard; and
(e) whether steps have been taken by the Government for the redressal of the complaints received and if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE
CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

(a) : Yes, it has come to the notice that some companies are having dual MRP policy for bottled mineral water, beverages and packaged goods i.e. a higher MRP for the same product to be sold in Malls, Airports etc. Enforcement Authorities of the State Governments are competent for taking action against these firms, as the Enforcement of Weights and Measures Laws is done by the State Government. Necessary advisories have been issued by the Central Government.

(b) : Question does not arise as action lies with the State Governments.

(c) : No Committee has been constituted for redressal of complaints received regarding goods being sold at prices exceeding the Maximum Retail Price. The Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 already provides that commodities in packaged form cannot be sold at a price higher than MRP, at all retail shops including railway premises and airports in order to protect the interest of consumers. Monitoring whether the commodities are being sold at more than MRP is done by the enforcement authorities of the State Governments.

(d) : The total number of complaints received during the last three years for the violation of Packaged Commodities Rules are placed at Annexure A.

(e) : The actions have been taken by the State Governments as per the section 36 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 for the violations of the provisions of Act and Rules.
*****