Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had issued a notification that plastic carry bags are required to be charged at the rate of Rs. 15 per bag irrespective of the size. RAI submitted a representation to PMC contending that Rs. 15 is an exorbitant rate and way above Rs.2 - Rs. 5 per plastic bag as given by other Municipal Corporations.

Charging this high amount will attract resistance from customers and retailers may face a drop in the foot fall. Moreover, it involves many operational and implementation challenges for the retailers as the plastic bag charges differ for every Municipal Corporation limit. In this regard, RAI representatives met the PMC Commissioner. The commissioner suggested to express our concern to the Mayor of Pune.  The Mayor’s office, if convinced, will direct the PMC to reduce the plastic bag rate