INSTEAD OF RAISING PRICES INCREMENTALLY, MODI SHOULD SIMPLY HIKE THE COST TO Rs. 500 A LITRE: BHAI DINESH

INSTEAD OF RAISING PRICES INCREMENTALLY, MODI SHOULD SIMPLY HIKE THE COST TO Rs. 500 A LITRE: BHAI DINESH

19-MAY-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------Instead of raising prices incrementally, Modi-ji should simply hike the cost of diesel and petrol straight to ₹500 per liter;this would ensure that the citizens of the country fully grasp the trajectory that inflation is ultimately taking. For by now, the public has grown accustomed to enduring hardships.

Whether diesel prices rise, petrol becomes expensive, gas cylinders cost more, or food and daily essentials become dearer—people still tend to ask fewer questions and engage more in arguments amongst themselves.

The greatest cause for concern is that, in villages across the land, ordinary citizens have effectively turned into spokespersons for political parties. If the topic of inflation is raised, people are ready to accept it—even going so far as to label it an act of "patriotism."

When the public ceases to even question their own suffering, the government, too, senses the pulse of the people. In a democracy, the government's duty is to provide relief to the public, while the public's duty is to hold the government accountable by asking questions.

If the public merely applauds and remains silent even regarding their own grievances, the situation in the times to come could become even more arduous. Society must now rise above emotional rhetoric and begin to think seriously about critical issues such as inflation, employment, education, healthcare, and farmers' rights. For an awakened citizenry is the true hallmark of a robust democracy.