MAPUSA
Villagers of Assagao have unanimously opposed the proposed implementation of the Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) in the village and across the State, expressing fears that it would impose an additional financial burden on consumers while adversely affecting local businesses.
The resolution was passed during the gram sabha meeting after residents voiced concerns over the functioning and impact of the scheme.
Addressing the gathering, local resident Owen Braganza explained that consumers purchasing products packaged in glass bottles, rigid plastic containers or cans would have to pay a refundable deposit over and above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
According to him, the deposit amount would range from Rs 2 to Rs 10 depending on the type and size of the product.
Braganza said each eligible container would carry a QR code that consumers would have to preserve in order to claim the refund through a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM). He warned that damaged or unreadable QR codes could result in consumers losing their deposit.
"This system will place an unnecessary burden on consumers, especially women and senior citizens, who will have to carefully store empty containers and travel to designated collection points to recover the deposit amount," Braganza said.
He also alleged that products purchased through e-commerce platforms such as Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket may not carry QR code labels requiring a deposit, which, he claimed, would give online retailers an unfair advantage over local supermarkets, grocery stores and wine shops.
Another villager, Michael Queroz, questioned the need for the scheme, pointing out that many households already sell empty plastic bottles to scrap dealers without having to pay any deposit.
"At present we hand over our empty bottles to scrap dealers and earn a small amount. If we pay a deposit but are unable or unwilling to return the containers, we will end up losing that money," he said.
The gram sabha unanimously resolved to urge the State government to withdraw the DRS notification and refrain from implementing the scheme in Goa. The villagers also resolved not to permit the installation of a Reverse Vending Machine at the Assagao panchayat premises.
In another development, the gram sabha rejected a proposal by local MLA Delilah Lobo to name one of the stands at the village football ground after a sportsperson.
Residents also highlighted the persistent problem of irregular water supply, alleging that the newly laid water pipeline has suffered repeated bursts at several locations, disrupting supply and causing inconvenience to households.
