PONDA: Pondaites have complained that they are finding it difficult to make ends meet on account of skyrocketing prices of essential commodities.
The Ponda residents further complained that the monthly salaries have remained unchanged while the prices of essential commodities have inflated and are beyond their reach. They have called upon the government to provide them some relief by striking a balance by either controlling the spiralling prices or by hiking their salaries.
They said there is huge disparity between salary and inflation. The inflation is increasing at a rapid rate while the salaries have remained unchanged for long and complained that the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic has further added to their misery.
Laxmikant Naik complained that he has been hit hard on account of the steep hike in the prices of gas, edible oil, diesel, petrol and essential commodities which have almost doubled while his income has remained the same.
He said the government employees earn hefty salaries and are entitled to DA and other benefits beside pay commission scales. Some private company employees also earn good salaries and are not affected due to the spiralling prices. These employees can afford to lead a luxurious life while the common man finds it difficult to make ends meet due to the ever-increasing cost of living.
Social worker Viraj Sapre said the government should provide some respite to the common man by reducing the prices of essential commodities. The government should ensure a hike in salaries, proportionate to inflation.
Sandesh Naik said he finds difficulty in saving his salary as he being an industrial worker, earns between Rs 320 and 350 as minimum wages. He said the government should at least hike daily minimum wages to Rs 500 so that the common man can at least feed his/her family.
Umesh Naik, who works at a garment and cloth shop said he did not get a hike in salary for the past three years and the pandemic rendered him unemployed as shops were shut due to a spurt in COVID cases.
