These are troubling times for the ‘aam aadmi’ reeling from the effects of inflation. If I were this ‘aam aadmi’, l would tell you that I am quite terrified of what the future holds for me. In the recent past, whenever I check my finances at the end of the month, I am appalled to see that my savings are nil. Why, last month, I could not even carry on till the end of the month. I did what no self-respecting individual did. I had no choice but to dip into my father’s savings. I was ashamed that instead of looking after my parents in their old age, I was burdening them.
I have always believed in cutting my coat according to my cloth, but what do I do when the cloth is insufficient for a coat? I have never spent extravagantly; kept account of every paisa spent and has managed well all these years. Eating occasionally at a Chinese restaurant and a rare movie are the only luxury I have provided my family. But now, it is shocking to know that a basic commodity like ‘dal’ has become a luxury.
I used to save a bit for my children’s education, my retirement and I had just begun to save for a second hand car. Now all that money goes to feed that beast called ‘inflation’ who keeps asking for more. . Even if I were to buy the car what would I fill it with, water? Petrol has suddenly become even more unaffordable. My children’s education, any emergencies will now have to be met by loans borrowed at high interest rates which I can ill-afford.
I have utmost respect for our honourable Prime Minister. What I don’t understand is this! Dr. Manmohan Singh is hailed as great economist who even world leaders look up to. He has an excellent academic background and sound experience. Why then is he unable to tackle this ‘terrorist’ who has held the common man’s life to ransom?
I am a person of limited knowledge and intelligence. But from what I read and see in the media, one primary reason for food inflation is conversion of agricultural land to industrial and residential layouts. Hoarding of grains by traders to artificially jack up prices is another. Forest land being cleared for development may be a reason for scanty rainfall. It is also said that with no elections in the near horizon, the government is not seriously looking for a solution.
There may be many other reasons; all I know is that I am finding it increasingly difficult to foot my bill. My salary hikes are not keeping pace with rise in prices. The Finance Minister keeps harping on 9% growth. Who has prospered, I wonder. I have not prospered, nor have my relatives, friends or neighbours.
The government I believe should do something fast. The gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ seems to be only widening. The time may come when people will revolt, which will prove disastrous for the country. Meanwhile the ‘aam aadmi’ will continue to silently suffer.
Author: Pratibha Shenoy (Bangalore)
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