The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE government is doing many good things. However, there are issues no less important from the people's point of view that require also zestful efforts of the administration. Stabilisation of prices is one such very major issue. If a survey is conducted, it will very possibly show that the anti-corruption drive of the governments to set the stage for holding of free and fair elections, enjoy, broad-based support among the people. But it could also indicate that people's expectations remain unmet in respect of a very pressing demand which is, that they should be spared the sufferings from relentless price rises of essential commodities.

Like the improvement of conditions in many areas of public life, it was also thought that favourable changes would sweep the markets and the people would be getting the benefits of reasonable prices of essential goods or at least a pause in the upward movement of prices. But this has not happened and prices of kitchen items that affect the life and living of common people have been increasing without a pause. The prices are also increasing unjustifiably and explanations that the rising prices are due to similar rise in their prices in international markets, is also proving inadequate.

It appears from the comments of the Advisers that the government realises these highly undesirable realities in the market and the volatile mood of the suffering consumers facing hardships. But what is desperately needed is an immediate befitting response to the same. Consumers of modest means, and they are the majority, are feeling massively let down from the unabated price rise. However, the very disgruntled mood of the consumers may mellow down over the medium and long terms provided the government plays its cards with more skill and acumen from now on to check the runaway price rises.