Say govt’s subsidy scheme non-starter; raw material cost too much
TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: With government’s promised subsidy scheme for bakers a non-starter, coupled with the rising cost of raw material, Goan bakers under the banner of Association of Goan Bakers on Wednesday have demanded a hike in the price of common man’s daily pao to Rs 5 per 50 gram size.
The Association, however, has welcomed Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar’s scheme for bakers, but added that they could not avail of the scheme due to the cumbersome procedure and in the absence of a single-window system.
Addressing the media, Association Chairman Peter Fernandes said Goan bakers had deferred the hike of pao last year following Chief Minister’s promise to offer subsidy on flour. “Till date, the beleaguered baker has not benefited in any way from the scheme. The scheme even evoked strong opposition from our members due to the cumbersome procedure. Last one year, we have been selling 50 gram size pao at the rate of Rs 3. The input cost of raw materials have now forced us to demand that the government fix a price of Rs 4-5 for a 50-gram pao,” Peter said, while blaming successive governments for only paying lip service to the cause of the bakers.
Replying to a question, he said that government’s offer of subsidy on flour by itself would not bail out the baker out of the financial situation. “The price of fire wood has gone up to a whopping Rs 21,000 from Rs 6,000. We are facing problems on labour. We cannot find labour in the local market,” he said, while pointing out that the government must have hiked the KTC bus fare so many times upon a corresponding hike in the prices of petrol and diesel. “At the current rate of input cost, we demand that the price of 50 gram pao should be increased to Rs 5 from the existing Rs 3,” he said.
The Association of Bakers has invited Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar for an interaction with the bakers after Mass at Grace Church, Margao, on October 8 at 10.30 am. “We will celebrate International Bread Day on October 8 with a Mass which will be celebrated by Fr Conceissao Da Silva. After the Mass, members will have an interaction with the Chief Minister at the Grace Church hall,” he added.
Association President Agapito Menezes, South Goa President Joao Agostinho Gomes were amongst the bakers who attended the media briefing.
