Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The proposed Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) sparked a debate in the Goa Legislative Assembly on Thursday, with several legislators raising concerns about its possible impact on consumers, businesses and waste management systems.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant informed the House that the DRS has been successfully implemented in around 50 countries worldwide and is currently being run on a trial basis in Kedarnath. He said the Goa government is studying the model but assured that the scheme will be implemented only after taking all stakeholders into confidence, especially considering its implications for shop owners and other businesses.
Sawant also clarified that the initiative, being undertaken in collaboration with the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) and GIZ, is presently in the awareness phase. He stressed that the government will not move ahead with the scheme unless it has the support and confidence of stakeholders.
However, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai criticised the proposal, alleging that the system could be used to collect personal data such as mobile numbers and bank details from users. He argued that such provisions raise privacy concerns and said the scheme should be scrapped altogether.
Sardesai further cautioned that implementing the DRS without proper awareness and consultation could make Goa “a laughing stock.”
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas also expressed reservations, stating that the scheme could create practical difficulties for three key groups — manufacturers, consumers and waste managers. He urged the government to carefully examine the ground realities before introducing the system.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao flagged concerns about the functioning of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) under the scheme. He warned that lack of awareness, training and orientation could result in the machines remaining unused. Alemao called for proper ground-level planning, including mandatory arrangements for RVMs in malls and departmental stores.
Responding to the concerns, the Chief Minister reiterated that the government will proceed cautiously and ensure broad stakeholder consultation and public awareness before any final decision on the scheme’s implementation.
