Telegraph Newspaper Review
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Published: February 15, 2008
Quit, if you feel “helpless”!”. The editorial is on the latest hike of Rs.2 and Re.1 of petrol and diesel prices respectively that has caused unbearably harmful impact on common man. The editorial says: “Consequent to the latest hike in petrol and diesel prices by Rs.2 and Re1 per litre respectively, all commodities for day-to-day use have become unbearably dearer overnight causing harsh impact on poorer sections. Government’s “helpless” stand may be reasonable. But, this stand does not absolve it of its responsibility to offset burden on people who voted it to power? The last hike in petrol, diesel prices in India was in July 2006 when the price of crude oil in international markets was US$67. Now, it is US$92 causing serious international impact. The simple question is why the government should transfer this burden on common man and consumer in the presence of alternative, ameliorative avenues! Suggestions: Customs, excise and import duties including sales tax and other levies on petrol and diesel make the cost unbearable at consumers’ end. Can all these levies be not scaled down? Can the government not levy higher tax on luxury items in order to withstand this burden? The “Save petrol” advertisements cost the oil companies a fortune. Is it required at all? If the government imposes just 1% tax on share market transactions, can it not reap multi-crores per day that can be diverted to compensate this burden? Another aspect is that we purchase crude oil in dollars. The present exchange rate is 1US$=Rs.41.50. If we make our Rupee stronger i.e 1US$=Rs.35, can it not be profitable for us? In spite of availability of all these alternatives, if the government says it is “helpless”, what for at all the voter elects it to power? The government should quit, if it feels “helpless” cautions editorial in conclusion”.
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