Are there any special features introduced in the notes of Mahatma Gandhi series?
The new Mahatma Gandhi series of notes contain several special features vis-à-vis the notes issued earlier. These are:
i) Security thread: Rs.10, Rs.20 and Rs.50 notes contain a readable but fully embedded security windowed security thread. Rs.100, Rs.500 and Rs.1000 notes contain a readable windowed security thread. This thread is partially exposed and partially embedded. When held against light, this thread can be seen as one continuous line. Other than on Rs.1000 notes, this thread contains the words 'Bharat' in the devnagri script and 'RBI' appearing alternately. The security thread of the Rs.1000 note contains the inscription 'Bharat' in the devnagri script, '1000' and 'RBI'. Notes issued earlier have a plain, non-readable fully embedded security thread.
ii) Latent Image: A vertical band behind on the right side of the Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait, which contains a latent image, showing the denominational value 20, 50, 100, 500 or 1000 as the case may be. The value can be seen only when the note is held on the palm and light allowed to fall on it at 45° ; otherwise this feature appears only as a vertical band.
iii) Microletterings: This feature appears between the vertical band and Mahatma Gandhi portrait. It contains the word ‘RBI’ in Rs.10. Notes of Rs.20 and above also contain the denominational value of the notes. This feature can be seen better under a magnifying glass.
iv) Identification mark: A special intaglio feature has been introduced on the left of the watermark window on all notes except Rs.10/- note. This feature is in different shapes for various denominations (Rs.20-Vertical Rectangle, Rs.50-Square, Rs.100-Triangle, Rs.500-Circle, Rs.1000-Diamond) and helps the visually impaired to identify the denomination.
v) Intaglio Printing: The portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, Reserve Bank seal, guarantee and promise clause, Ashoka Pillar Emblem on the left, RBI Governor's signature are printed in intaglio i.e. in raised prints in Rs.20, Rs.50, Rs.100, Rs.500 and Rs.1000 notes.
vi) Fluorescence: The number panels of the notes are printed in fluorescent ink. The notes also have optical fibres. Both can be seen when the notes are exposed to ultra-violet lamp.
vii) Optically Variable Ink: The numeral 500 & 1000 on the Rs.500 [revised colour scheme of mild yellow, mauve and brown] and Rs.1000 notes are printed in Optically Variable Ink viz., a colour-shifting ink. The colour of these numerals appear green when the notes are held flat but would change to blue when the notes are held at an angle.
Forgeries
How does one differentiate between a genuine note and a forged note?
The notes on which the above features are not available can be suspected as forged notes and examined minutely.
From R.B.I. site
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
JAGO GRAHAK, JAGO
This article was published in November 2009 issue of “ONE INDIA ONE PEOPLE”
Taking consumers for a ride is a common practice in our country. A little awareness about their rights and responsibilities will go a long way in enriching the quality of life of the consumer, says Bhalchandra Naik.
Globalisation has thrown open vast opportunities to consumers and advancement of technology has also added to consumers’ choice. Aggressive marketing, continuous bombardment of advertisements, publicity and promotion, brainwash consumers and tempt them to buy even unwanted products, leading to over consumption and indulgence in affluence. This sets the trend in pricing because of which the economically weaker sections of the society suffer more.
The consumers in general do not get real value for money in this process. They are ignorant about their rights as consumers. There is lack of awareness regarding even why to buy and what to buy. Consumer awareness is the knowledge that a consumer should have about his rights and responsibilities. The first and foremost right is the right to information. Consumers must know in advance about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and right price of goods to be purchased and services to be hired.
The unscrupulous shopkeepers take undue advantage of the ignorance of consumers. It is a common experience that the consumers are over charged for various products. For example, a soft drink bottle of 500 ml. capacity whose M.R.P. is Rs. 22 is sold at Rs. 24 even if no additional service is provided. This is generally experienced in multiplexes where affluent consumers do not challenge this practice. M.R.P. means Maximum Retail Price and charging more than M.R.P. is an offence but consumers are unaware of this fact or feel shy of fighting against this malpractice. In such cases, consumers can file a complaint to Legal Metrology Department on 022-22886666.
Consumers should also insist on a bill which is useful when they have to fight legal battles. While purchasing costly items like gold, gold smiths often discourage consumers from insisting on a bill in order to save taxes. Later, if the consumers feel cheated they cannot fight their case in the absence of a bill. To ensure quality, consumers should purchase products having quality symbols like Hallmark, ISI, AGMARK, FPO etc.
Consumers have the social responsibility to educate themselves and others about consumer rights and responsibilities. Take the case of fake notes. Although Reserve Bank of India has issued information about the salient features of Rs. 1000 denomination notes, how many consumers can identify a fake note? If consumers can do so, they can help in discontinuing the circulation of fake notes and also save the nation from financial losses. In the poster “Know Your Banknote” it gives information about intaglio printing i.e. raised printing which can be felt by touching the note at eight places. There are other salient features as well to identify a fake note like the numeral 1000 changes from blue to green when the bank note is tilted. It is our national duty to spread this useful information and take necessary action whenever required.
Consumers are generally reluctant to fight for their rights but they have the social responsibility of exposing the manufacturers, suppliers or the service providers who resort to illegal trade practices. The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 offers protection against the deficiency in product or service, poor after sale service, damage/loss to health, life and property due to the product, hazards arising out of the product or service, misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices, restrictive trade practices etc.
There are simple formalities under this Act and consumers can fight their case without the help of an advocate. Complaints may be sent even through registered post. Registered consumer organisations or government can also file complaints on behalf of consumers.
This Act has given the consumers six rights: Right to safety, Right to information, Right to choose, Right to be heard, Right to redressal and Right to consumer education. Under the Constitution of India two more rights are implied: Right to healthy environment and Right to basic needs. Consumers should be aware of these rights and propagate this knowledge. It is their prime social responsibility.
There is a need to empower consumers so that they can protect themselves on their own. Though the awareness is increasing the pace is slow. The government sponsored campaigns like “Jago Grahak, Jago” (Wake up consumers) have created some awareness but there seems to be less positive impact on product/service. It is heartening to know that the government has approved a scheme of Rs. 409 crore during the 11th five-year plan on awareness campaign aimed at helping all consumers irrespective of age, socio-economic class or gender to make free, fair and informed choices of products or services. Under its “Jago Grahak, Jago” campaign the department is reaching consumers through print advertisements as well as regional newspapers, TV spots in Doordarshan and private channels, audio spots in All India Radio and private FM channels, and through posters in postal departments.
The National Consumer Helpline, which has been the focus of the awareness campaign, empowers consumers from all over the country to dial the toll-free number 1800-11-4000 and seek telephonic counselling for problems that they face as consumers.
Consumers too have to realise their role and exercise their rights. Before buying a product they should collect all the relevant information: the past performance of producer/supplier/seller/service provider, performance of product/service etc. While buying a product ask for demonstration of the use of the product, guarantee of operation, contact number, address, availability of after sale service etc., and insist on a proper bill and the warranty card signed by the dealer. After buying, use product as per the instruction manual, keep the bill and warranty card safely. In case of a complaint, consumers should inform the dealer and keep all the record of the correspondence. Consumers can also get guidance from complaint guidance cells of voluntary consumer organisations like Mumbai Grahak Panchayat, CGSI etc.
Consumers who fight for their rights act in a way as the honorary consultants to that industry as system correction is possible and procedural improvements are made especially in service sectors. Instead of grumbling, consumers must approach appropriate authorities for the redressal of their complaints.
Besides being aware of their rights consumers have other responsibilities which include exercising restraint on consumption of water, electricity, fuel and other non-renewable scarce commodities whenever possible, if a product can serve for a longer period using it instead of buying a new one and recycling a product where possible. Government alone cannot do everything. Consumers have to come forward and spread the message about consumer rights and responsibilities. Organised consumers is power. Therefore consumers must unite and fight for their rights. The market mechanism can be improved by continuous monitoring, vigilance and whistle blowing at the right time. Tools like PIL, RTI, CPA can be effectively used for correcting existing deficiencies and flaws in the existing system which will help in enriching the quality of life of consumers. ------------- BHALCHANDRA NAIK
The writer is Vice-Chairman, Mumbai Grahak Panchayat, Mumbai.
Contact the Writer .
Taking consumers for a ride is a common practice in our country. A little awareness about their rights and responsibilities will go a long way in enriching the quality of life of the consumer, says Bhalchandra Naik.
Globalisation has thrown open vast opportunities to consumers and advancement of technology has also added to consumers’ choice. Aggressive marketing, continuous bombardment of advertisements, publicity and promotion, brainwash consumers and tempt them to buy even unwanted products, leading to over consumption and indulgence in affluence. This sets the trend in pricing because of which the economically weaker sections of the society suffer more.
The consumers in general do not get real value for money in this process. They are ignorant about their rights as consumers. There is lack of awareness regarding even why to buy and what to buy. Consumer awareness is the knowledge that a consumer should have about his rights and responsibilities. The first and foremost right is the right to information. Consumers must know in advance about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and right price of goods to be purchased and services to be hired.
The unscrupulous shopkeepers take undue advantage of the ignorance of consumers. It is a common experience that the consumers are over charged for various products. For example, a soft drink bottle of 500 ml. capacity whose M.R.P. is Rs. 22 is sold at Rs. 24 even if no additional service is provided. This is generally experienced in multiplexes where affluent consumers do not challenge this practice. M.R.P. means Maximum Retail Price and charging more than M.R.P. is an offence but consumers are unaware of this fact or feel shy of fighting against this malpractice. In such cases, consumers can file a complaint to Legal Metrology Department on 022-22886666.
Consumers should also insist on a bill which is useful when they have to fight legal battles. While purchasing costly items like gold, gold smiths often discourage consumers from insisting on a bill in order to save taxes. Later, if the consumers feel cheated they cannot fight their case in the absence of a bill. To ensure quality, consumers should purchase products having quality symbols like Hallmark, ISI, AGMARK, FPO etc.
Consumers have the social responsibility to educate themselves and others about consumer rights and responsibilities. Take the case of fake notes. Although Reserve Bank of India has issued information about the salient features of Rs. 1000 denomination notes, how many consumers can identify a fake note? If consumers can do so, they can help in discontinuing the circulation of fake notes and also save the nation from financial losses. In the poster “Know Your Banknote” it gives information about intaglio printing i.e. raised printing which can be felt by touching the note at eight places. There are other salient features as well to identify a fake note like the numeral 1000 changes from blue to green when the bank note is tilted. It is our national duty to spread this useful information and take necessary action whenever required.
Consumers are generally reluctant to fight for their rights but they have the social responsibility of exposing the manufacturers, suppliers or the service providers who resort to illegal trade practices. The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 offers protection against the deficiency in product or service, poor after sale service, damage/loss to health, life and property due to the product, hazards arising out of the product or service, misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices, restrictive trade practices etc.
There are simple formalities under this Act and consumers can fight their case without the help of an advocate. Complaints may be sent even through registered post. Registered consumer organisations or government can also file complaints on behalf of consumers.
This Act has given the consumers six rights: Right to safety, Right to information, Right to choose, Right to be heard, Right to redressal and Right to consumer education. Under the Constitution of India two more rights are implied: Right to healthy environment and Right to basic needs. Consumers should be aware of these rights and propagate this knowledge. It is their prime social responsibility.
There is a need to empower consumers so that they can protect themselves on their own. Though the awareness is increasing the pace is slow. The government sponsored campaigns like “Jago Grahak, Jago” (Wake up consumers) have created some awareness but there seems to be less positive impact on product/service. It is heartening to know that the government has approved a scheme of Rs. 409 crore during the 11th five-year plan on awareness campaign aimed at helping all consumers irrespective of age, socio-economic class or gender to make free, fair and informed choices of products or services. Under its “Jago Grahak, Jago” campaign the department is reaching consumers through print advertisements as well as regional newspapers, TV spots in Doordarshan and private channels, audio spots in All India Radio and private FM channels, and through posters in postal departments.
The National Consumer Helpline, which has been the focus of the awareness campaign, empowers consumers from all over the country to dial the toll-free number 1800-11-4000 and seek telephonic counselling for problems that they face as consumers.
Consumers too have to realise their role and exercise their rights. Before buying a product they should collect all the relevant information: the past performance of producer/supplier/seller/service provider, performance of product/service etc. While buying a product ask for demonstration of the use of the product, guarantee of operation, contact number, address, availability of after sale service etc., and insist on a proper bill and the warranty card signed by the dealer. After buying, use product as per the instruction manual, keep the bill and warranty card safely. In case of a complaint, consumers should inform the dealer and keep all the record of the correspondence. Consumers can also get guidance from complaint guidance cells of voluntary consumer organisations like Mumbai Grahak Panchayat, CGSI etc.
Consumers who fight for their rights act in a way as the honorary consultants to that industry as system correction is possible and procedural improvements are made especially in service sectors. Instead of grumbling, consumers must approach appropriate authorities for the redressal of their complaints.
Besides being aware of their rights consumers have other responsibilities which include exercising restraint on consumption of water, electricity, fuel and other non-renewable scarce commodities whenever possible, if a product can serve for a longer period using it instead of buying a new one and recycling a product where possible. Government alone cannot do everything. Consumers have to come forward and spread the message about consumer rights and responsibilities. Organised consumers is power. Therefore consumers must unite and fight for their rights. The market mechanism can be improved by continuous monitoring, vigilance and whistle blowing at the right time. Tools like PIL, RTI, CPA can be effectively used for correcting existing deficiencies and flaws in the existing system which will help in enriching the quality of life of consumers. ------------- BHALCHANDRA NAIK
The writer is Vice-Chairman, Mumbai Grahak Panchayat, Mumbai.
Contact the Writer .
Monday, November 2, 2009
Consumer Protection Act is in need of Protection
B.S.N.L.Calicut had, in August 2001 disconnected the telephone of one Mr. Krishnan due to non-payment of a bill of Rs. 17103/-.Mr. Krishnan pursued his grievance about the bill with B.S.N.L. but was unsuccessful. He filed a complaint before the District Forum (D.F.) Calicut.The latter by its order dt. 16-11-2001 directed B.S.N.L. to restore the connection and pay the complainant Rs. 5000/- towards compensation along with 12% interest.B.S.N.L. then moved the Kerala High Cour (H.C.) - A single Bench of the H.C. dismissed B.S.N.L.'s Plea and directed it to approach the Kerala state consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. (C.D.R.C.) Failing to be 'educated' by this rebuff, the B.S.N.L. appealed before a Division Bench of the Kerala H.C. The latter referred the appeal to a full Bench. The Bench dismissed the petitions on 14-02-2003. B.S.N.L.then moved the Hon. Supreme Court (S.C.) and challenged the judgement of the Kerala H.C. The S.C. Bench. comprising of Hon. justice Markandey Katju and Hon. Justice A. K. Ganguly allowed the appeal. They observed that there is a remedy prescribed US 7 B of the Indian Telegraph Act. of 1885 for resolution of all disputes regarding Telecommunication, through arbitration.
Since the Telegraph Act is a special law, its provisions would prevail over a general law likeConsumer Protection Act (C.P.A.) - "It is setteled law that general law must yield to special Law. The remedy under the C.P.A. is barred by implication" they held. This, in effect, will take away the jurisdication of the consumer Fora to entertain disputes relating to telecom services. With due respect to the judges, one cannothelp observing that the judgement shows lack of application of judicial mind. In the first place, thereis no reference whatsoerer to the relevant From the Consumer Courts Consumer Protection Act is in need of Protection A more serious implication is that if the logic of the judgement is to be stretched further, all
services including professional services for which special legislation is available, eg Airlines,Railways, Insurance,Banking, medicine, Law etc.will be out of the
jurisdiction of the C.P.A.This will defeat the whole purpose of creating a special
legislation for a single window system for speedy,simple and inexpensive redressal of consumer grievances.provisions/clauses of the C.P.A. whose jurisdiction it has set to define. The definition of service states "service of any description which is made availableto potential (users and includes, but not limited to,the provision of )facilities in connection with banking...., but does not include the rendering of any service free of change or under a contract of personal service. Telephone service does notqualify for either of the exceptions to the definition of a service. No where is it indicated that services which are ruled by a special legislation will be exempted from C.P.A.On the other hand, clause 3 of C.P.A. clearly states that "the provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of the provisions of any other law for the time being in force." This should clear any doubts about the applicabitily of C.P.A. in case of services for which special legislation is in force.Surprisingly, the judgement completely ignores and infact,
contradicts two earlier judgements of the Hon. S.C. viz. i) Fair Air Engineers VS. N. K. Modi and ii) Secretary,Thirumrugan Co.op. Agriculchral Credit Society Vs. M. Lalitha. In both of these judgements, the Hon. S.C. has held that above mentioned sec.3 of the C.P.A. imparts jurisdiction to the consumer Fora even in those cases where special Acts are in force. To quote from the judgements. "The Act (C.P.A.) intends to relieve the consumers of the cumbersome arbitration proceedings or civil action. ......... The Act creates a framework for speedy disposal of comsumer
disputes and an attempt has been made to remove the existing evils of the ordinery court system... The Act being a beneficial legislation should receive a Liberal construction." On the other hand, the Hon. judges have relied on an earlier Judgement of the S.C. Viz Chairman, Thiruvallurar Transport Corp. VS. Consumer Protection Council, which is far from relevant in the instant case. The judgement is not only controversial and illconceived but its implications are disastrous . The
immediate effect of the order will be that all complaints regarding telephone services pending before the Consumer Fora throughout the country will be dismissed. The complainants will have to file them afresh before the arbitrators appointed by the Govt. Telephone service providers on their part will not only keep compliance of the orders of the fora on hold, but also apply for a review of the cases already disposed off by the Fora.A more serious implication is that if the logic of the judgement is to be stretched further, all services including professional services for which special legislation is available, eg Airlines, Railways, Insurance, Banking, medicine, Law etc. will be out of the jurisdiction of the C.P.A. This will
defeat the whole purpose of creating a special legislation for a single window system for speedy,simple and inexpensive redressal of consumer grievances. This reminds me of the early 1990 s when various professional bodies and service providers tried their best to be exempted from the C.P.A. However, thanks to the efforts of the consumer organigations and judicious interpretation of the Act by the National commission and the Hon.supreme court. The jurisdiction of the C.P.A. has not only remained in tact but has actually expanded. Since the instant judgement may start a regressive trend by making inroads in the jurisdiction of the Comsumer Fora, consumer organisations in the country must take up this issue and make an unequivocal demand for a review of the judgement. M.G.P. also plans to approach the
Central Govt. (Dept.of Consumer Affairs and Dept.of Law and Judiciary) to take a lead in the matter of review of the judgement.
- Lalita Kulkarni
Ex-member Mumbai District Forum
Since the Telegraph Act is a special law, its provisions would prevail over a general law likeConsumer Protection Act (C.P.A.) - "It is setteled law that general law must yield to special Law. The remedy under the C.P.A. is barred by implication" they held. This, in effect, will take away the jurisdication of the consumer Fora to entertain disputes relating to telecom services. With due respect to the judges, one cannothelp observing that the judgement shows lack of application of judicial mind. In the first place, thereis no reference whatsoerer to the relevant From the Consumer Courts Consumer Protection Act is in need of Protection A more serious implication is that if the logic of the judgement is to be stretched further, all
services including professional services for which special legislation is available, eg Airlines,Railways, Insurance,Banking, medicine, Law etc.will be out of the
jurisdiction of the C.P.A.This will defeat the whole purpose of creating a special
legislation for a single window system for speedy,simple and inexpensive redressal of consumer grievances.provisions/clauses of the C.P.A. whose jurisdiction it has set to define. The definition of service states "service of any description which is made availableto potential (users and includes, but not limited to,the provision of )facilities in connection with banking...., but does not include the rendering of any service free of change or under a contract of personal service. Telephone service does notqualify for either of the exceptions to the definition of a service. No where is it indicated that services which are ruled by a special legislation will be exempted from C.P.A.On the other hand, clause 3 of C.P.A. clearly states that "the provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of the provisions of any other law for the time being in force." This should clear any doubts about the applicabitily of C.P.A. in case of services for which special legislation is in force.Surprisingly, the judgement completely ignores and infact,
contradicts two earlier judgements of the Hon. S.C. viz. i) Fair Air Engineers VS. N. K. Modi and ii) Secretary,Thirumrugan Co.op. Agriculchral Credit Society Vs. M. Lalitha. In both of these judgements, the Hon. S.C. has held that above mentioned sec.3 of the C.P.A. imparts jurisdiction to the consumer Fora even in those cases where special Acts are in force. To quote from the judgements. "The Act (C.P.A.) intends to relieve the consumers of the cumbersome arbitration proceedings or civil action. ......... The Act creates a framework for speedy disposal of comsumer
disputes and an attempt has been made to remove the existing evils of the ordinery court system... The Act being a beneficial legislation should receive a Liberal construction." On the other hand, the Hon. judges have relied on an earlier Judgement of the S.C. Viz Chairman, Thiruvallurar Transport Corp. VS. Consumer Protection Council, which is far from relevant in the instant case. The judgement is not only controversial and illconceived but its implications are disastrous . The
immediate effect of the order will be that all complaints regarding telephone services pending before the Consumer Fora throughout the country will be dismissed. The complainants will have to file them afresh before the arbitrators appointed by the Govt. Telephone service providers on their part will not only keep compliance of the orders of the fora on hold, but also apply for a review of the cases already disposed off by the Fora.A more serious implication is that if the logic of the judgement is to be stretched further, all services including professional services for which special legislation is available, eg Airlines, Railways, Insurance, Banking, medicine, Law etc. will be out of the jurisdiction of the C.P.A. This will
defeat the whole purpose of creating a special legislation for a single window system for speedy,simple and inexpensive redressal of consumer grievances. This reminds me of the early 1990 s when various professional bodies and service providers tried their best to be exempted from the C.P.A. However, thanks to the efforts of the consumer organigations and judicious interpretation of the Act by the National commission and the Hon.supreme court. The jurisdiction of the C.P.A. has not only remained in tact but has actually expanded. Since the instant judgement may start a regressive trend by making inroads in the jurisdiction of the Comsumer Fora, consumer organisations in the country must take up this issue and make an unequivocal demand for a review of the judgement. M.G.P. also plans to approach the
Central Govt. (Dept.of Consumer Affairs and Dept.of Law and Judiciary) to take a lead in the matter of review of the judgement.
- Lalita Kulkarni
Ex-member Mumbai District Forum
Say "TATA" to Reliance.
RELIANCE CONSUMERS CAN NOW SWITCH OVER TO TATA POWER IN JUST 30 DAYS
Steep in crease in power tariff of Reliance for Mumbai suburban consumers announced by MERC in June 2009 prompted Mumbai Grahak Panchayat (MGP) to blow whistle. MGP gave a call to “SAY “TATA” TO RELIANCE” and that set the ball rolling for competition in the power sector – a first of its kind in India!
Caught unaware of this sudden call from MGP based on legal provisions in Electricity Act 2003, both Reliance and Tata Power were forced to work out modalities for change-over protocol. However, both Reliance & Tata were keen to have their own meters, although the power was to be supplied by Tata and bills were also to be raised by Tata. MGP asserted consumers’ right to choice with regard to Meters and ultimately MERC too resolved this issue in favour of consumers. MERC has now approved protocol to be followed by both Reliance & Tats as well as by Reliance consumers intending to migrate to Tata Power. This protocol allows Reliance consumers to avail Tata’s cheaper power within just 30 days. The procedure for this change-over (migration) is also simplified by MERC.
What Reliance consumer has to do to switch over to Tata Power?
Ø APPLICATION FORMS: Obtain individual Application forms for change-over free of cost from any Customer Service Centre of either Reliance or Tata Power Company. Also available on their websites which can be downloaded.
Ø Documents required: Documents required to be submitted along with the Application: (a) Proof of residence such as voter ID card or Passport copy or Ration Card or, Society share certificate or MCGM property tax receipt (b) Identity Proof such as Voter ID card or PAN card or Passport copy or Driving License and (c) Copy of last paid Reliance Electricity Bill.
Ø CHOICE OF METER: The applicant has to indicate in this application his choice about the meter i.e. whether he wants to have Tata Power Meter or would continue with Reliance (R-infra) or he would purchase his own meter. If the applicant opts for Tata meter, he does not have to pay any charges for the same.
Ø Payment of handling charges and Security Deposit: The applicant has to pay to Tata Power handling charges of Rs 25/- for single phase connection and Rs 50/- for three-phase connection. In addition, the applicant is also required to pay to Tata Power refundable Security Deposit. Normally, for single phase connection with average consumption of 300 units per month, Security Deposit payable would be Rs 600/- and for 500 units it would be Rs 1000/-. Cheque for this total amount has to be drawn in favour of “The Tata Power Company Ltd.”
Ø Submission of application forms: Duly completed application form alongwith cheque has to be submitted to the Customer Service Centre of Tata Power alongwith above documents.
Ø No NOC is required from Reliance for this change over from Reliance to Tata Power.
Ø CHANGE OVER DATE: Seven days after submitting the duly completed application form and the cheque, whichever is the next meter reading date of the applicant indicated in his latest Reliance bill, will be the change-over date. On this date, representatives of both Reliance and Tata would be present to take the final meter reading of Reliance. If the applicant has opted for Tata meter, the same will be installed by removing Reliance meter. The applicant is entitled to remain present when such meter reading is being taken. As per rules, such connection has to be provided within 30 days.
Ø Meter –reading: After the change over, the meter will be read every month by meter reader of Tata Power.
Ø Billing: Once the applicant has changed over from Reliance to Tata, the monthly bills will be raised by Tata Power and bills will be payable to Tata Power. The bill will include consumption charges as per Tata’s approved tariff rate plus wheeling charges ( 88 paise per unit) payable to Reliance for using their infrastructure. However, as insisted by MGP and agreed by MERC, there will be a reduction of 37 paise per unit and hence the net wheeling charges that will now be payable by consumers will be only 51 paise per unit.
Ø Complaints: Any complaints of the change-over consumer have to be addressed and sent to Tata Power only. ( A single window system). If the nature of the complaint requires clarification/explanation from Reliance, then Tata Power will send the copy of the complaint to Reliance and Tata Power will communicate final redressal to the consumer.
Ø WHO SHOULD CHANGE OVER?: Although Reliance tariff was increased from June 2009, MERC has stayed the operation of the same as directed by Maharashtra Government. Reliance consumers are therefore presently being billed on the basis of old pre-June 2009 rates. However, if consumers change over to Tata Power, the revised tariff of Tata Power which came into effect from June 2009 will be applicable. In addition there will be wheeling charges of 51 paise per unit ( 88 paise minus 37 paise) will be payable by way of wheeling charges. Taking all these factors into consideration, only those Reliance consumers having monthly consumption of 200 units or more would benefit by this change over to Tata Power as of now. Hence, presently it is beneficial for only consumer with more than 200 units consumption to change over to Tata Power. In case the stay of Reliance tariff is vacated and the increased tariff is allowed to be charged, then even a consumer having monthly consumption of 50 units or more will benefit.
Now that the entire procedure for change-over from Reliance to Tata Power has been streamlined and simplified by MERC, Mumbai Grahak Panchayat once again calls upon all Reliance consumers with more than 200 units monthly consumption to immediately apply for switching over to Tata Power and herald the first-ever competition in the power sector to ensure better deal for consumers.
(Adv. Shirish V. Deshpande )
Chairman – Mumbai Grahak Panchayat
Contact: 9892335618
Steep in crease in power tariff of Reliance for Mumbai suburban consumers announced by MERC in June 2009 prompted Mumbai Grahak Panchayat (MGP) to blow whistle. MGP gave a call to “SAY “TATA” TO RELIANCE” and that set the ball rolling for competition in the power sector – a first of its kind in India!
Caught unaware of this sudden call from MGP based on legal provisions in Electricity Act 2003, both Reliance and Tata Power were forced to work out modalities for change-over protocol. However, both Reliance & Tata were keen to have their own meters, although the power was to be supplied by Tata and bills were also to be raised by Tata. MGP asserted consumers’ right to choice with regard to Meters and ultimately MERC too resolved this issue in favour of consumers. MERC has now approved protocol to be followed by both Reliance & Tats as well as by Reliance consumers intending to migrate to Tata Power. This protocol allows Reliance consumers to avail Tata’s cheaper power within just 30 days. The procedure for this change-over (migration) is also simplified by MERC.
What Reliance consumer has to do to switch over to Tata Power?
Ø APPLICATION FORMS: Obtain individual Application forms for change-over free of cost from any Customer Service Centre of either Reliance or Tata Power Company. Also available on their websites which can be downloaded.
Ø Documents required: Documents required to be submitted along with the Application: (a) Proof of residence such as voter ID card or Passport copy or Ration Card or, Society share certificate or MCGM property tax receipt (b) Identity Proof such as Voter ID card or PAN card or Passport copy or Driving License and (c) Copy of last paid Reliance Electricity Bill.
Ø CHOICE OF METER: The applicant has to indicate in this application his choice about the meter i.e. whether he wants to have Tata Power Meter or would continue with Reliance (R-infra) or he would purchase his own meter. If the applicant opts for Tata meter, he does not have to pay any charges for the same.
Ø Payment of handling charges and Security Deposit: The applicant has to pay to Tata Power handling charges of Rs 25/- for single phase connection and Rs 50/- for three-phase connection. In addition, the applicant is also required to pay to Tata Power refundable Security Deposit. Normally, for single phase connection with average consumption of 300 units per month, Security Deposit payable would be Rs 600/- and for 500 units it would be Rs 1000/-. Cheque for this total amount has to be drawn in favour of “The Tata Power Company Ltd.”
Ø Submission of application forms: Duly completed application form alongwith cheque has to be submitted to the Customer Service Centre of Tata Power alongwith above documents.
Ø No NOC is required from Reliance for this change over from Reliance to Tata Power.
Ø CHANGE OVER DATE: Seven days after submitting the duly completed application form and the cheque, whichever is the next meter reading date of the applicant indicated in his latest Reliance bill, will be the change-over date. On this date, representatives of both Reliance and Tata would be present to take the final meter reading of Reliance. If the applicant has opted for Tata meter, the same will be installed by removing Reliance meter. The applicant is entitled to remain present when such meter reading is being taken. As per rules, such connection has to be provided within 30 days.
Ø Meter –reading: After the change over, the meter will be read every month by meter reader of Tata Power.
Ø Billing: Once the applicant has changed over from Reliance to Tata, the monthly bills will be raised by Tata Power and bills will be payable to Tata Power. The bill will include consumption charges as per Tata’s approved tariff rate plus wheeling charges ( 88 paise per unit) payable to Reliance for using their infrastructure. However, as insisted by MGP and agreed by MERC, there will be a reduction of 37 paise per unit and hence the net wheeling charges that will now be payable by consumers will be only 51 paise per unit.
Ø Complaints: Any complaints of the change-over consumer have to be addressed and sent to Tata Power only. ( A single window system). If the nature of the complaint requires clarification/explanation from Reliance, then Tata Power will send the copy of the complaint to Reliance and Tata Power will communicate final redressal to the consumer.
Ø WHO SHOULD CHANGE OVER?: Although Reliance tariff was increased from June 2009, MERC has stayed the operation of the same as directed by Maharashtra Government. Reliance consumers are therefore presently being billed on the basis of old pre-June 2009 rates. However, if consumers change over to Tata Power, the revised tariff of Tata Power which came into effect from June 2009 will be applicable. In addition there will be wheeling charges of 51 paise per unit ( 88 paise minus 37 paise) will be payable by way of wheeling charges. Taking all these factors into consideration, only those Reliance consumers having monthly consumption of 200 units or more would benefit by this change over to Tata Power as of now. Hence, presently it is beneficial for only consumer with more than 200 units consumption to change over to Tata Power. In case the stay of Reliance tariff is vacated and the increased tariff is allowed to be charged, then even a consumer having monthly consumption of 50 units or more will benefit.
Now that the entire procedure for change-over from Reliance to Tata Power has been streamlined and simplified by MERC, Mumbai Grahak Panchayat once again calls upon all Reliance consumers with more than 200 units monthly consumption to immediately apply for switching over to Tata Power and herald the first-ever competition in the power sector to ensure better deal for consumers.
(Adv. Shirish V. Deshpande )
Chairman – Mumbai Grahak Panchayat
Contact: 9892335618
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