GWF stages demonstration as consumers ‘cheated’

NT NETWORK

Margao

Goa Women’s Forum (GWF), on Saturday, staged demonstration in Margao to highlight cheating of consumers over the price of branded ISI-mark helmets.

The forum has called for immediate government intervention to stop the malpractice, which involves defrauding the treasury of 18 per cent GST and collecting an additional 40 per cent above the MRP from the consumers. 

The forum has also filed a complaint at the Margao Town Police Station under Section 420 of IPC for cheating on the MRP, packaging, warranty and bill on the sale of a helmet that was manufactured in Belgaum.

In an incident recounted by GWF convenor Lorna Fernandes, a ladies helmet was purchased on March 24 from a shop in Margao wherein an improper bill was issued for Rs 1,250 when the MRP was Rs 890, without any warranty.

Speaking about the issue, Fernandes said, “After we checked on the official website, it became evident that the modus operandi used is – after these helmets are brought to Goa,  packaging box is removed so that the actual MRP is not known to  consumer, warranty card is destroyed and a duplicate bill book is used to scam the 18 per cent GST and loot the consumer by 40 per cent over the MRP.”

The issue gains importance and urgency as the June 1 deadline approaches for the purchase and compulsory use of only ISI-mark helmets with the implementation of the ‘Helmet for Riders of Two Wheelers Motor Vehicles (Quality Control) Order 2020.’

The issue was also raised at the special meeting of the South Goa District Road Safety Committee convened by the Transport Department to discuss the sale of ISI-mark helmets, fake helmets and consumer protection with the traffic police, Department of Legal Metrology, Department of Commercial Taxes, Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce and the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs.

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