Inflation is running in double digits. The major contributors are rising food prices and the high cost of imported crude. Damn, the petrol prices in Bangalore have surged to Rs. 65+, and every time there is a hike in the petrol prices, it creates an inflationary surge for other commodities. The price of petrol has been decontrolled by the government, yet we pay huge taxes, which kills us on both counts. About food inflation, the recent increase in vegetable and fruits prices is putting an additional burden on the already strained household budgets of a common person in India. The prices of lentils and pulses, a staple in India, rose 2-3 times last year and never did come down much. Add to that the increase in prices of essential commodities like edible oil, milk, grains, staple vegetables like onion, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic etc., fruits. There seems to be nothing which is untouched by the huge rise in prices.
I really do not understand what measures the Agriculture Ministry takes to monitor market situations, facilitate smooth flow of goods from one place to another, forecast shortages, prevent hoarding and provide a decent price to the farmers. In most of these price surges, it is the middleman and the hoarder who makes a quick buck and not the poor farmer. We see images of grain rotting due to lack of storage areas. It never strikes the people to give this for free to the poor than to allow it to rot. The government starts crying and blaming the monsoon and everything else except their own incompetence. The Agriculture Minister is busy presiding over cricket events, and Agriculture Ministry seems clueless. We hear inane statements like the demand is increasing and people are becoming wealthier as the cause behind price rise!
With a government ridden with corruption and a lethargic set of people who always try to make some noises in the face of full-blown crises, I show a huge thumbs down to this so-called government for the aam aadmi. Damn, why must we suffer like this? We pay our taxes and live as decent citizens, yet look at what we get in return. I hate it when they throw economic growth rate figures as a measure of progress. A country that cannot give its citizens two decent square meals in a day, clean drinking water, sanitation and basic health facilities should not talk about progress. The entire thinking of our political class is skewed only towards one end — wealth generation for themselves!
What is the way out to deal with this large-scale discontent and mismanagement — street protests?
Rachna says 
Leave a comment