Mangaluru: Despite several warnings from the Dakshina Kannada district administration action hiking prices over the MRP or the actual price, the grocery shop owners are still engaging in this illegal and immoral practice.
Many people had expressed their displeasure over the price hike on essential commodities on social media. According to them, on Monday, the actual price for onion was Rs 25 per kg, however, some shop keepers are charging Rs 35 to Rs 40 for the same. Different shops have been charging different rates for essential commodities since the lockdown was enforced on March 25, say members of the public.
It is alleged that HOPCOMS is also charging over and above the actual rate for their produce. Though it is mandatory for HOPCOMS to charge as per the price list, they have allegedly been ignoring the same and charging a higher rate for the produce. It is also mandatory for the HOPCOMS to give a bill to their paying customers, however, it is alleged that when customers demand a computerized bill, they refuse to do so, claiming that their computer is out of order.
Ravichandra Bhat, a resident of Mallikatta told Newskarnataka.com that he had been to the HOPCOMS at Mallikatta, Shivabhag to purchase 2 kgs of banana. “Though the rate list showed Rs 35 for a kg of banana, they demand Rs 140 for two kgs of the fruit. When I questioned this, they reduced the price from Rs 70 to Rs 60 per kg. I did not get the commodities as per the price list of HOPCOMS. The district administration should immediately take measures to check the price hiking on essential commodities,” he urged.
Responding to the allegations, HOPCOMS managing director K Praveen told Newskarnataka.com that action will be taken if a complaint is registered against specific HOPCOMS. “We are not able to take action in the case of generalised complaints. We also insist that customers demand computerized bills for their purchase from HOPCOMS and not to pay more than the listed prices,” he added.
Meanwhile, masks have also become more expensive in Dakshina Kannada. A chain retail medial store in Mangaluru has been accused of overcharging on the N95 face masks. Under condition of anonymity, a source told Newskarnataka.com that the N95, which were earlier priced at Rs 140 per piece, are now being sold at Rs 230 per piece.
