Union Government's Failure To Check Pric

It is more shocking than the rising prices of essential commodities that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says that his government's performance in the matter of price management is much better than that of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. If this is management, the country would want to know what mismanagement is. Such statements by the central authority are like adding insult to injury.

Objectionable and Regrettable Measures
It seems that the central government is still under the illusion that the prices have risen by just a little. It is no surprise that for this very reason the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and its Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar are doing nothing about it. It is not only objectionable but also regrettable that instead of taking measures to bring down the prices, they are busy issuing such statements that would make the common man feel helpless.
Now he is doing the job of scaring people by his statements. Would somebody tell him that his job is not to inform about shortage of essential commodities, but to take concrete steps for their availability? It is unfortunate that Sharad Pawar is unable even to create the impression that he is concerned by the price rise.

Prevailing Situation
He has done so badly as the Agriculture and Food Minister that he should not remain in that post for a minute more. But, the irony is that the Congress party leading the federal government is hesitating even to name him.
This situation prevails when people are coming to the conclusion that Sharad Pawar is more concerned about profiteers than the common man. No matter what kind of claims the federal government makes, if anybody is benefiting from the kindness of Sharad Pawar it is the hoarders and black-marketers.

Curbing Price Hike
It is difficult to disagree with fierce attack Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has launched against him over his irresponsible behavior. After all, why do we need such Agriculture and Food Minister who refuses even to show common sympathy in the situation created because of growing price rise?
It is also the country's misfortune that the opposition is also showing the same kind of uselessness as the central government in the matter of curbing price hike. It seems that like the ruling party, the opposition has also forgotten its duty. Looking at the kind of crisis price rise has created for the common man, the opposition should have taken the ruling party to task, but it is restricted to mere formal criticism.

Rise in Food Grain Prices
The federal government's behavior regarding price rise is indecent because it is making false statements instead of dealing with the situation. It is an utter lie that the benefit of rise in food grain prices has gone to farmers. It is nothing like it. The fact is that the rural population is as troubled by the price rise as the urban population.
The argument of the UPA government that the state governments are responsible for price rise is also not completely right because, had it been so, the conditions in the Congress party-ruled states would have been different. One can understand some rise in prices, but it has taken on monstrous proportions. More atrocious is that the central government is refusing to accept price rise as a serious problem.