Traders continue to exploit pilgrims

Tirupati: Exploitation of pilgrims is continued in pilgrim city by vendors, traders and hoteliers even after the State Civil Supplies Minister Prathipati Pulla Rao inspections and raids by Legal Metrology department officials on shops.

Vendors collect high prices in selling food and beverages especially at RTC Central Bus station, Srinivasam, Vishnu Nivasam and Railway station areas. It may be noted that one week ago at Tirupati RTC Central bus stand, Minister for Civil Supplies Prathipati Pulla Rao inspected the shops and warned the vendors not to sell the commodities above MRP.

A few days later, on the instructions of state Legal Metrology wing DG Damodaram, department officials from Chittoor, Kadapa and Nellore districts conducted joint raids and booked cases against the shops here. As many as 43 cases were booked on petty shops and fast food owners and hoteliers. But the traders continue to sell the goods above MRP rates.

On Friday morning one pilgrim N Palani from Salem (Tamil Nadu) speaking to The Hans India, said that he has purchased a water bottle for Rs 20, two Badam milk bottles for Rs 50 and one mango juice 500 ml bottle for Rs 32. Total cost of these items amounts to Rs 102 as per MRP. But the vendor has collected Rs 130 from the consumer. He was forced to pay Rs 28 extra.

They are not giving any receipt to purchasers, Palani said. In an incident that occurred a week ago, Tirupati East police opened charge sheet against a hotelier on the charges of attack on Bihar tourist couple. Such incidents continue by the local traders. Interestingly, many shop vendors and hoteliers display the MRP price list boards. But they are not implementing the rates.

By K Nethaji