The New Nation - Internet Edition

LIFE of people, especially of those in the fixed income bracket, has become difficult because of the pressure of sky-rocketing prices of almost all essentials. Poor people spend more than sixty percent of their income on food. Prices of rice continue to maintain an upward trend in spite of a bumper harvest. The recent increase of prices of gas and oil added to price spiral and increased sufferings of the people. In the present inflationary situation employment opportunities have squeezed, and people's real income has drastically fallen.

The Finance and Planning Adviser reportedly informed the other day that the government was taking fiscal and other measures to tackle the escalation of prices. These steps are aimed at welfare for the poor and vulnerable groups. Experts suggest strong governmental intervention, including monitoring of the market for action if need be, so that there is no undue increase in commodity prices. Introduction of rationing system and opening low-price windows of essential items have been suggested by some quarters.

A top ranking government functionary is reported to have said that expecting food prices to fall would be unrealistic in the existing situation. Such comments by persons at the helm of the state affairs are likely to encourage people to ask for even higher prices of essentials to make extra profit. A similar observation by another person in power some time back reportedly fuelled the escalation of prices. Such type of comments go against the interests of the people and throws them into deep despair. The role of the government has not been exhausted. It still can exert control on the market.