Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 26: The Working Group (WG) constituted by the State Government to examine and recommend the mechanism of fixation of Maximum Retail Price (MRP) on consumer goods and drugs submitted its recommendations here today.
The Working Group, headed by MLC, Ravinder Sharma, submitted the report to the Minister for CAPD and Transport, Ch. Mohammad Ramzan this morning.
Secretary CA&PD, Mohammad Abass, Director CA&PD Jammu, G. S. Chib, President Jammu Chambers and Commerce and Industry, Y. B. Sharma, President Retailer Association, Yashpual Gupta, Member State Consumer Council, Er. Vikram Gour, President CPO Jammu, Des Raj Danish, Secretary CWA, Chander Parkash, General Secretary Consumer Welfare Association, B. M Kholi, CPO, Col. Ajaib Singh were present on the occasion.
The Working Group was constituted by the Government in furtherance of the deliberations in the State Consumer Protection Council, on the issue of fixation of retail prices of the commodities and drugs, which are observed to be sold on exorbitant rates.
It was required to study the present mechanism of fixation of MRP of the commodities and make recommendations for close regulation so that necessary measures are taken to safeguard the interests of consumers and save them from misleading advertisements and overcharging on the name of MRP.
The Working Group members are from consumer organizations, representatives of Chambers, traders and members of the Bar Association Jammu, besides officers of CAPD and drug control organization and legal metrology.
The Working Group studied the prevailing system and the existing legal framework to protect the consumer interests and made its recommendations to deal with the issue including setting up of a Board or Authority to monitor price fixation and a full-fledged Department of Consumer Affairs besides strengthening the legal frame work to deal with the matter of general public interests.