PANAJI
With the controversy over the proposed Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) implementation intensifying, a fresh layer of uncertainty has emerged after the Department of Legal Metrology confirmed that it has not issued any notification permitting manufacturers or packers to affix additional labels on packaged products for collecting a refundable deposit from consumers.
Controller of Legal Metrology Ranjana Borkar told The Goan that no notification has been issued so far. However, a detailed response from the department is awaited.
The development has raised fresh questions about the scheme's operational readiness, particularly as liquor bottles are scheduled to be brought under the first phase of the rollout starting September 1.
Sources familiar with the legal requirements revealed that the approval process is product-specific and not a blanket authorisation.
“For example, if a brand has around 300 products, each of those products has to be notified before it can be accepted under the refund mechanism. The same applies to liquor bottles. At present, none of the products in Goa have been notified,” the source said.
Official sources also questioned the practicality of using stickers on bottles to indicate the refundable deposit. “Whether the stickers would withstand transportation, storage and weather conditions without peeling off or becoming illegible is yet to be answered by the concerned authorities,” the source added.
The latest development has strengthened criticism from citizens’ groups opposing the scheme.
Convener of the Goa Women’s Forum Lorna Fernandes described the proposal as legally untenable, arguing that charging any amount above the printed Maximum Retail Price (MRP) would violate the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules unless specifically authorised.
“It is really not going to be feasible. It is a big scam,” she alleged, further claiming that charging even Re 1 over and above the MRP could attract penalties under the Packaged Commodities Rules if not backed by the necessary legal approvals.
Fernandes also alleged that representatives promoting the DRS have been approaching panchayats and municipal councils seeking no-objection certificates.
“People should be aware of the misinformation being spread. They are telling local bodies that the Legal Metrology Department has issued the notification, but no actual notification is being shown,” she said.
The forum has also raised concerns over the collection of consumer information through the refund mechanism.
She also sought to know whether a large proportion of bottles purchased by tourists would actually return them for refunds. “They won't come back to claim the refund. The money remains in the system while the value of those bottles accumulates,” she alleged.
