In the light of the rising food prices, last year - on 13th Jan2010, the Government had announced several measures aimed at ensuring availability of essential commodities in the open market. More than a year has passed since then, without palpable drop in prices of food items. On the contrary, India’s food price Index rose to a high of 16.91% .
Hike in price of petroleum products (especially Petrol) has become a regular feature now and in the last one year alone, the rise in petrol prices has been about 22% - all in the name of removing subsidy from it! While petrol is seen as ‘rich man’s fuel’ by the government, I am yet to see a two-wheeler that runs on kerosene or diesel! Certainly, rising petrol prices has further added to the crushing burden on the household budget.
In contrast to above stats on food price Index and regular hike in petrol prices- in the name of subsidy, the parliamentarians food in the Parliament canteen are highly subsidized and are immune to any kind of inflation!
The menu card of the canteen in our Parliament reads something like this-
Tea: Re 1 a cup
Soup: Rs 5.50
Rice kheer: Rs 5
Mutton biryani: Rs 27
Fish curry: Rs 13
Vegetarian meal: Rs 12.30
Non-vegetarian meal: Rs 22
Soup: Rs 5.50
Rice kheer: Rs 5
Mutton biryani: Rs 27
Fish curry: Rs 13
Vegetarian meal: Rs 12.30
Non-vegetarian meal: Rs 22
Amazed! But, it is true.
Subsidy needs to be removed here first.
Madhukar Mohan
On the issue of hike in petroleum prices, government appears to be in “catch 22 situation”. If on one hand, it can’t afford the wrath of auto-mobile companies (for the Party-fund) and political-allies (for its existence); on the other hand it can’t hold back its temptation for lucrative revenue on account of exorbitant taxation (how judiciously Govt. money is being spent is altogether separate issue). Sorry, there appears to be little concern for middle class or public in general.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, we urgently need a Comprehensive Policy on public/private transport (covering the conditions & capacity of road-infrastructure, scarcity of parking space, environmental cost of petroleum disposals), with long-term objectives in view.
by: Sharad Kumar
ReplyDeletemy friend Madhukar Mohan has given a very true comment n i agree to it... first of all v should raise voice against "subsidy"....which should be removed.
If the meal in parliament is available at such low prices then why we common people have to pay such high prices even for raw vegetables????
Good Blog. Good Name selected.
ReplyDeleteIssues are very relevant.
Thanks.
Very nice now we must take out time to think for our nation.
ReplyDeleteKeep on Writing
Thanks.
To make comments on Common Man Issues... very difficult. Common mans always have the issues…always crying no act. They don’t like to fight with the systems what so called policy maker creates. Our Politicians are myopic…they cant see outside the Parliament where they make policy for every things. We must provide them Spectacles (CHASHMA) so that they can be able to see outside…to see the real pain of a common man.
ReplyDeleteA Good topic for discussion---keep it up Madhukar Jee
very true....
ReplyDeletei hope you continue with such relevant topics... nice article.
i was really not aware by this menu card of parliament canteen...........and i m sooooo surprised....a common man is so helpless fighting this high price rise.......i m confused that i should laugh or remain surprised.....thanks, u make me know this!!
ReplyDelete