Government fails to implement price control bill, hotel rates doesn't change with decrease in commodity price

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Today is World Consumer Rights day. Hotels increase their food rates as prices of vegetables and meat go up, but they doesn't seem to lower it, when the prices gets reduced. When Covid restrictions were withdrawn, the price of vegetables were increased and so does price at vegetarian hotels. Even when the rates of tomatoes and onions fell, hotels did not change their rates. Now, with the increase in the price of chicken, the price of food has also gone up.

Some hotels charge Rs 30 for a vada. Yogurt vada Rs 60. Lunch at some vegetarian hotels costs Rs 200. For meat dishes prices always vary.

The government has not done anything and they are like mute spectators.

District authorties are appointed to decide prices. Price is fixed by the District Authority chaired by the District Collector. Once fixed, the price will not change for four months.

A fine of Rs 5,000 will be levied in case of overcharging. If the offense continues even after the fine is imposed, a fine of up to Rs 250 per day will be levied. Also, the license will be cancelled.. The civil court cannot interfere in the functioning of the Authority.

"The government cannot set prices. Quality and taste increase the demand for food. The expensive hotels are still crowded.", said G. Jayapal, State President, Hotel and Restaurant Association.