Date:10/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/10/stories/2008121053290300.htm

Kerala - Kozhikode

Reduce tax, prices: consumer forums

Staff Reporter

KOZHIKODE: Consumer organisations have called upon the government to initiate urgent measures to bring down tax rates and prices of goods and services. The Kerala State Consumer Protection Forum has demanded that the government declare a comprehensive package that provides for a cut in tax rates as well as prices of commodities and services.

Relief package

Forum State president Valsan Nellicode at a general council meeting here on Tuesday wanted Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan to declare a relief package that provided for a decrease in bus, auto and taxi fares; power surcharge; milk price; and water tariff. The meeting deplored the conduct of grandiose shopping festivals, spending crores of rupees. Such events would only add to the prevalent consumer exploitation and result in rise in prices of goods and services.

Plea to set up panel

The State Committee of Consumer Friend has asked the government to take urgent steps to set up a commission to decide the price line.

A convention of the organisation at the Nalanda auditorium here demanded that the authorities fill the vacancy of a member in the Consumer Redressal Forum.

State president of Consumer Friend Joy Abraham inaugurated the meeting.