MAPUSA
With the State government set to roll out the Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) from April 1, strong resentment is brewing among consumers and civil society groups who claim the scheme will place an unfair financial and logistical burden on the public.
The scheme, notified in 2024, requires consumers to pay a refundable deposit ranging from Rs 2 to Rs 10 on products sold in plastic and glass packaging, including alcohol bottles, milk cartons, cans and multi-layered wrappers.
The refund can be claimed only after returning the empty packaging to designated collection centres for digital reimbursement.
However, consumers argue that the scheme compels them to pay an amount over and above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) printed on the product – a move many see as unjustified.
“There is already inflation and rising household expenses. Now we are expected to pay extra on every bottle or carton we purchase. Even if it is refundable, it blocks our money. For daily wage earners and middle-class families, this will pinch,” said Anita Naik, a resident of Mapusa.
A major concern raised is the inconvenience involved in storing used packaging and standing in queues to claim refunds. Several citizens fear chaos at collection points, especially if the number of reverse vending machines and centres is limited.
“Where are these machines going to be installed? In cities only? What about people in villages and coastal belts? People will end up spending more on travel than the refund amount itself,” said Joaquim Barros, a resident of Siolim-Marna.
Grassroots representatives, including panchayat members and councillors, have reportedly expressed ignorance about the operational details of the scheme. Stakeholders allege that there was no meaningful consultation with local bodies or consumer groups before the decision was finalised. Many also say that awareness about the scheme remains poor.
The Goa Women’s Forum has strongly opposed the implementation of the scheme in its present form. Lorna Fernandes, Convenor of the forum, termed the move a burden particularly on women.
“It will be a huge burden on the consumer, especially women consumers. First they will have to save recyclable goods and then stand in the queue to return them to collect their own money. This is nothing but daylight robbery. We are opposing this scheme tooth and nail,” Fernandes said.
Consumers also worry that the infrastructure for implementation – particularly collection points and machines – may not be adequately spread across the State, leading to inconvenience and long queues.
With barely weeks to go before the proposed rollout, opposition to the scheme appears to be intensifying.
Many consumers are urging the government to reconsider its approach, conduct wider consultations and create adequate awareness before enforcing what they describe as a hastily introduced policy that risk causing confusion, inconvenience and public anger.
