Bengaluru: In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that several shops and public toilets operating inside the KSRTC Bus Stand, Majestic in Bangalore City, have been taking advantage of unsuspecting commuters and passengers by overcharging them for essential products like food and beverages in the sense they have been extra charging from the passengers Five to Ten INR extra the MRP. This unethical practice has sparked outrage among the community, prompting calls for immediate action. Commuters and passengers, who often rely on these shops for last-minute purchases before boarding buses, have reported exorbitant pricing for items ranging from snacks to beverages. The passengers have expressed frustration, alleging that these shopkeepers exploit the urgency and convenience factors associated with bus travel. Overcharging seems particularly prevalent during peak travel hours when the demand for goods is higher.
Bangalore based NGO Rise UP for Rights conducted a Sting Operation against KSRTC shops and Public Toilets; we tried to uncover the truth behind the overpricing of products. One of the reasons for the string operation would be the violation of the notice released by the KSRTC Bengaluru District Commissioner and to create awareness among people to report such unethical cases to the conserved authorities and the police. In the sting operation, the activists were even able to expose the overcharging of the free toilets provided by the government for the general public, even though the bathrooms are unhygienic.
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On the board “KSRTC Public Toilet,” it says 5rs, but there is no solution if people still pay more than MRP. People also need to take responsibility.
While some shopkeepers argue that the higher prices are justified due to increased operating costs and demand at the bus stand, consumer protection advocates say this is an unfair and exploitative business practice. In response to the allegations, the local KSRTC shopkeepers alleged that they are over-charging to cover the high monthly KSRTC shop rent rate and pay the electricity bill since Karnataka Electricity has recently increased the per unit cost of electricity.
The KSRTC Shopkeepers Association declined to answer our queries over the mobile phone.
Resident and frequent bus traveler Mr. Sanjay Rajshekar, expressed his dismay, stating, “It’s disheartening to see KSRTC shops preying on people who are just passing through. We already face travel stress, and these exorbitant prices only add insult to injury.”
As this issue unfolds, the community is hopeful that swift action will be taken to end the exploitative practices and restore the trust between KSRTC shopkeepers and customers at the KSRTC bus stand. Authorities are expected to provide updates on their investigation and actions against those found guilty of overcharging.
In the meantime, consumer rights organizations like Rise Up for Rights Org are calling for increased awareness among travelers about fair pricing and their rights as consumers. They advise commuters to compare prices before making purchases and report any instances of overcharging to the local authorities.
As the investigation unfolds by the Rise Up Team, commuters and locals alike hope for swift action to curb this unethical practice, ensuring that the bus stand remains a fair and transparent marketplace for all. Bengaluru citizens are advised to stay vigilant and report any instances of price gouging to the local authorities or consumer protection agencies. Commuters are advised to be vigilant and report any instances of overcharging to the rules or lodge their complaint at the customer care desk located in both the BMTC and KSRTC bus stands.
#KSRTC #Bengaluru Majestic #shops extra #charges from #MRP rates.
(Example 15₹ MRP & 5₹ extra = 20₹ )
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Already complaint done on this issue & will take time to get good results.
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Any comments..!!
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(This video is short / edited & hided team face for security reasons) pic.twitter.com/XdLmYnc4FJ— Rise UP For Rights ® ?? (@riseupforrights) November 3, 2022
