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03.08.2010
∗ SHRI P.KUMAR (TIRUCHIRAPPALLI): On behalf of AIADMK Party I
would like to submit the following in the discussion on the inflationary pressure
on the economy and its adverse impact on the common man.
Rice and wheat alone are not sufficient for common man. He needs dhal,
salt, chillies, spice and vegetables. For cooking these things you need kerosene or
gas. The cost of all these articles has gone up by 2 to 3 times in the last four years.
As per the statistics shown by the government the rate of inflation for food items is
17%. The cost of essential commodities are increasing up 35% every year that is
what was costing Rs.100 four years ago would not be costing Rs.240/- due to the
inflation rising affected the common man.
Wholesale prices were also rising since 2008, this is putting almost all the
food items out of reach of the ordinary people. For example the increase in the
wholesale prices of some of the essential commodities are as follows :
1. Arahar Dal rose 25% from June 2009 to June 2010.
2. Cabbage rose by 27% during the same period.
This is the overall rise in prices of commodities of daily use. The figure of
inflation stands at a two year high. This is mainly driven by higher food prices.
prices of all essential commodities of daily use like rice, wheat, milk, sugar,
pulses, edible oil, vegetables are skyrocketed. This has affected the poor and the
middle class who do not see any correspondence increase in their salaries.
The main reason for the spiraling prices of essential commodities is the
frequent hike in the prices of petroleum products. These are the fuels that are used
to drive the lorries and trucks in which commodities are transported from place to
place. Whenever the prices of petroleum products are increased, transportation
charges automatically go up. When transportation charges go up, the prices of
essential commodities transported also go up. It will ultimately affect the common
man.
∗ Speech was laid on the Table.
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