Page 135 - Understanding Economics for Class 10

for a job in a government department. She has even submitted all the certificates.
Officials were unresponsive to her inquiries.
 Therefore, by using the RTI Act, she filed an application saying that it was her right
to know the result in a reasonable time so that she could plan her future. As a result,
Goyal Brothers Prakashan
she not only learned the reasons for delayed result announcement but also got her
call letter for appointment as she performed well in the interview.

LET’S WORK THESE OUT (Page No. 81)
1. When we buy commodities, we find that the price charged is sometimes higher or lower
than the Maximum Retail Price printed on the pack. Discuss the possible reasons. Should
consumer groups do something about this?
Ans. The reason for charging higher price might be the unawareness of the consumer regarding
price. In that case seller takes the advantage and charge higher price.
(i) Due to increased competition, seller charges lower price than charged by other sellers
in the market in order to attract more buyers. Sale and offers are generally given to
do that. Buyers have good bargaining skills that results in the lower price. Sometimes,
sellers also get discount from the company, which they pass on to the buyers.
(ii) Consumer groups should pressurise the dealers to ensure that no dealers charges more
than the MRP under any condition. They should in fact put pressure on dealers to
reduce their margins and charge lesser than the MRP as far as possible.

2. Pick up a few packaged goods that you want to buy and examine the information given.
In what ways are they useful? Is there some information that you think should be given
on those packaged goods but is not? Discuss.
Ans. All the required information is given on the packaging of goods. The information given
is useful in many ways:
(i) Expiry and manufacturing date: This information prevents buyer from buying old
product.
(ii) Maximum Retail Price: It is important so that seller cannot charged more price than
what is mentioned on the pack.
(iii) Ingredient used in making of the product (mentioned on edible items): it helps in
providing information regarding what contents are used in its making.
(iv) Edible items also contain information regarding how much fat, carbohydrates, trans
fat etc. are there in that product.
(v) Address of Manufacturer: It is important to mention it, because in case of any
query, manufacturer can be contacted. In case a product is defected and seller refuse
to replace it, manufacturer can be contacted for redressal of your complaint.

All the items should display a toll-free number on which a consumer can contact in
case of a complaint or feedback, usually this is not mentioned.

3. People make complaints about the lack of civic amenities such as bad roads or poor
water and health facilities but no one listens. Now the RTI Act gives you the power to
question. Do you agree? Discuss.
Ans. Yes, through RTI, people can get information and ask questions to civic authorities about
roads, water and health facilities. They have all the right to know how public utilities are
being provided or any other related concern. RTI Act has helped a lot in improving the
condition.

E-118 Economics Class X