This Ramadan, the government announced Rs8 billion ‘Ramadan relief package’ to provide relief to the people facing high inflation rates. Under the package, at least 19 essential items will be made available at subsidized rates to the people at 6,000 utility stores across the country. The commodities would include rice, flour, pulses, sugar, edible oil, dates, tea, milk among other essential items.
The truth is that during Ramadan, the sale of goods at inflated prices is checked only for show and for public consolation. Surprisingly, even before the raid by the Price Control Committee, shopkeepers and peddlers would have been informed of the raid. And they start selling items at official prices even before the magistrate arrives, and as soon as the magistrate leaves the scene with his team, the items start selling again at arbitrary prices. This trend is expected to continue this year as well and there is a strong hope that the people will have to bear the brunt of inflation more than ever despite all the claims of the administration.
If the real aim is to give real relief to the people, then a permanent and highly effective system should be set up so that no one can be complacent in setting arbitrary prices. Apart from ordinary days, especially in the holy month of Ramadan, it is the joint responsibility of the federal and provincial governments to save the people from the storm of inflation. Strong measures are needed in this regard. It is necessary to appoint responsible persons on merit in the price control committees set up to encourage serious action against profiteers. Millions of rupees of Ramadan subsidy should also be checked and balanced. There should be tax exemption on daily use items. If the government wants to control inflation, it must strictly curb hoarding.
On the one hand, the government proclaims deflation and on the other hand, the prices of commodities in Ramadan bazars are increased, which raise the price of everything, including rents. Despite the summary by the government, the price of petroleum has been maintained twice in a row which was appreciated by the common man while the price of electricity continues to rise in the name of fuel adjustment. While the government has to make the administration active in controlling the prices, it has to bring the prices of electricity and petroleum to a standstill in any way, then the rising inflation will come to a halt to some extent.
It is an undeniable fact that the PTI government under the stewardship of Prime Minister Imran Khan has shown remarkable concern for the less privileged sections of the society. In spite of economic difficulties it took appreciable step towards poverty alleviation and providing relief to the people. At such crucial time announcement of relief package is blessing in disguise but government should make a check and balance system on utility stores as well, so that masses can get real relief from this package. During the ongoing political turmoil in the country, it seems that public is no one’s priority. Both opposition and government are busy in achieving their political interests. Under such political crises if inflation is not brought under control immediately, there will be no point in winning or losing but everything will get out of hand.