The price-hike and the poor
And this could be a reason that during a discussion, when it was said that there was price hike of essentials of unprecedented nature, then the Hon'ble Law Minister quickly came in defence. He said that the purchasing power had increased. Being a man of law, he was careful not to elaborate as to whose purchasing power had improved.
On analysis of his observation, it seemed that he was partially right in his observation. The purchasing power has increased, of-course. But whose purchasing power? This is a big question, but the answer is not far to seek. Undoubtedly, a section of people's purchasing power has increased. This section does not belong to common people; elites, it does! Around June, the government allowed nearly 50-100% increase in pay of the government servants. That was a commendable job since the government servants compared to the regional countries are not well off. But it had its side effect. It caused further rise in prices affecting the common people like those in private service, day labourers self-employed people etc.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. And more interesting, considering the price-hike the government leaped forward and increased the pay and allowances of super elite class who by our standard are not poor but rich. They are people like the parliamentarians (MPs), the ministers and so on. And the increase was fabulous -- around 45 to 50per cent. So what the honourable minister said was correct, that the purchasing power had increased! With such increase in purchasing power people like them don't have to worry. But what about the common people? They have to suffer because no genuine step to arrest the price-hike has been taken not to speak of allowing subsidies or start operating the defused ration shops.
These shops earlier sold essentials like rice, atta/wheat, sugar etc at fair prices and were of great help to poor people and a strong tool to control market prices. But I am sorry to add that perhaps this government consists of elites, only think of elites! Where is the time for them to think of the poor people? The poor people, as the saying goes, " are poor because they are poor". And the poor people have to live with price-hike no matter to whatever higher graph it goes.
In the above situation and in conclusion, one would only like to say that the government has failed to arrest the price-hike. They should accept this and not justify their wrongful actions, blame the media or others for the failure. These are tiring and disgusting. Better refrain from these and do something to ease the situation, if you can. And being in the authority, you can for sure, so the people believe.