PONDA: The common man who is hard hit by rising prices of all commodities has urged the government to control prices to ease financial burden. Many people have suggested that the fuel prices should have been cut by at least Rs 20 to 30, so that the cost of transportation and hence of commodities come down to control inflation which is crushing the common man.
Housewife Sunayna Naik said, in the present situation, the cost of living is affordable to only ministers, government servants and high salaried professionals. She said if diesel prices are reduced substantially, then it will help reduce the cost of commodities. “People are living stressful lives,” said another housewife and added that home makers struggle to meet the cost basic necessities. Ponda locals also said that due to Covid pandemic, the people’s businesses have taken a hit and still recovering so therefore inflation need to be controlled by the government.
People are forced to think twice before spending money. Similarly, those earning Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 can’t save as according to them during past five years, the cost of living has doubled. Prices of almost all commodities have increased. Right from biscuit to pulses, flour, edible oil, fuel prices, etc, have increased.
Similarly the cost of building construction material such as sand, laterite and steel has become has gone up. Currently it is marriage season but gold prices have shot through the roof.
A motorcycle taxi operator Dinesh Naik said many daily wage labourers spend all their money to meet the cost of living. He said he used to save at least Rs 3000 to 4000 ever month five years ago but today he struggles to meet his monthly cost, since all the prices of commodities are hiked several times . He suggested that the government should reduce the price of diesel by Rs 20 to 30 which will reduce transportation cost simultaneously leading to fall in the prices of most commodities.
Sandeep Parkar said food, clothing and shelter are the basic needs of people. As far as food is concerned, locals are struggling to meet the rising cost of commodities. “A family of four to six persons with only one earning member struggles to meet the cost of living and education of children. The per head cost of living is increased and so government should provide free education to people to reduce burden on head of family,” said Parkar
