The recent move by the UPA-II government to introduce steep hike in petrol prices has provided enough grist to the propaganda mill of the opposition to take the government to task. The recent 12-hour Bharat bandh called by NDA and Left parties evoked mixed response in different parts of the country. Media reports from Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Patna, Allahabad and Varanasi said rail routes were blocked to stop trains and shops closed following the protest.
At a time when the prices of the crude oil are declining in international market, steep hike in domestic prices of oil is prone to evoke adverse reaction. The divided opposition has been served on platter enough material to hold the ruling dispensation to ransom by the follies committed by it during the past two years. The completion of three years in office by the UPA-II has failed to create any euphoria.
Besides, such steep hike in one go reflects insensitivity of the government to the lower middle class, in particular, who have to survive within an income of about 10 to 15 thousand rupees per month. With petrol price touching Rs 75 – 80 per litre, they can not even afford to run a two wheeler, what to talk of a car. Nearly 500 million people are in this range of income. How will their working ladies, and school/ college going children manage with such expensive petrol? Along with it, are the exorbitant prices of gas cylinder which will increase further, and the rising inflation? Where should the ‘aam admi’ go?
The poor people’s first priority is survival and they are at sea to understand official dynamics of economics or the plummeting rupee or the spikes in crude prices. A barrel of crude may be costing $ 90, but how does it interest the poor man who can afford only Rs 1000 for petrol per month. It devolves on the government of the day to solve a problem, and not become a problem itself.
The people seek answers to penetrating questions like why are the millions of tons of food grains rotting in the open; why are crores of rupees in black money parked in foreign banks, or even a greater amount of black money in circulation in our country. Why are govt officials allowed to siphon off a large part of govt funds meant for various schemes for the poor and rural areas? Why can’t the tax evasion be checked? It needs a strong and impartial administration to tackle such evils.
The Congress is endowed with good leaders but they have no say in running affairs of the government. Undoubtedly, price increase becomes inevitable in the wake of domestic compulsions and international market forces and somehow this price hike should not be phenomenal and sudden rather should be incremental so that the people get used to adjust with it. There is need for feeling the pulse of the people and policy formulation should follow accordingly.
There is no substitute for being a strong govt, even if it is a coalition. In case the govt had taken decisive steps in time, letting the people know that it cares more for them than the desire to remain in power, then there would have been no need to bleed the poor through such cruel petrol, diesel, and LPG prices. This is an easy way out, which is neither good for the country nor a wise political decision.
The phenomenal increase in the prices of essential commodities has made the life of the poor more miserable. Vegetables and pulses have seemingly become out of reach of ‘Aam Adami’ owing to exhorbitant price tags being attached to these commodities.Aam Adami can ill-afford to send his children to school, because there is no money for their clothes, and transport, even if the education is free.
Measures like free education, free medical aid, subsidised rations etc, are fine, but ground realities are different due to rampant corruption at each level of official functioning. The benefits seldom reach the poor people and money allocated for such schemes is pocketed by vested interests.
The prevailing scenario compels a dispassionate observer to see whether India’s decision to hike petrol prices is a classic case of penny wise pound foolish. Given that the country does not have enormous petroleum reserves but is one of the highest in consumption. The reason is simple. Its alternative energy programme is merely cosmetic and it is dependent on Western companies and their imported technology.
Consequently, if the country wants freedom from high fuel prices, it has to change its policy. It needs to consider fuel prices as the bedrock of its economy which needs to be kept low. Simultaneously, non-petroleum vehicles use should be promoted to cut dependency on fuel imports. India also must invest heavily in alternative energy research to create an effective alternative non-grid linked source.
It also devolves on the government of the day to have a vision and not live from crisis to crisis. It must consider deregulation of oil prices, as also seriously explore alternative sources of energy. As responsible citizens, we also have a duty. Let’s realise our collective responsibility, and save fuel by using cycles for short distances, and prevent wastages of all types. There is need to build up a positive work culture in the country, while the government should care for the people as part of its bounden duty.
