Fate of the people

When Finance Minister KN Balagopal gave his reply to the public debate over the budget on Wednesday, people were eager to see if there would be a decision to withdraw the fuel cess. Both political and non-political were upset over the fuel cess proposal. There was a belief that the decision would be withdrawn in view of public outrage. But not only did the fuel cess proposal, which was brought in unwisely, was not withdrawn but he also mocked that the opposition was going on a strike after reading a newspaper report that the Rs 2 cess would be reduced to Rs 1.

The demand for the withdrawal of fuel cess, which makes people's lives more difficult, should not be mixed with politics. The government is also aware that the daily life of the common man has become more difficult due to various tax hikes. In such a situation, there is no need to convince anyone that the further increase in fuel prices, which will have a negative impact on the market, will be an extra burden. Unfortunately, behind the finance minister's unwillingness to withdraw the controversial proposal also, there is nothing but politics. In a lengthy reply speech, he also insisted on other new tax proposals. The advice of the Finance Minister is that while bringing the budget that includes the broad goal of how Kerala will be in the future, we should not raise trivial issues and hinder the growth of the state.

There were other ways to find the equivalent of the additional revenue expected from the fuel cess. The government is trying to hang on to it and gather the hatred of people without trying these alternatives. The prices of milk, electricity, bus and finally water have been increased in recent days. As if this is not enough, fuel cess is also going to be imposed. A cess of Rs 1 per liter on petrol and diesel will come into effect from April 1. There is already a cess of Rs 1 in the name of road safety fund. The reason given by the ones who have been constantly protesting against the increase of fuel prices by the Center is the strangest. Apparently, the purpose behind the cess is to raise funds for social security pensions. But there was not even a single rupee increase in the budget for social security pension allocation. When the price of fuel increases by two rupees, it will be reflected in the price of all products, starting from the travel fare. Common sense is enough to understand that this is a decision that will push the already escalating inflation even higher. It is a false belief that fuel cess can fix the state and the people.

Demand for the revision of bus fares and rental vehicle fares will be rising soon. Vegetables, tea, and hotel meals are also likely to increase in price proportionately. It is fair to say that the immature decision to invite universal price hikes has overshadowed even the good aspects of the budget. It will not take long to see how its impact will affect people's lives. The minister is not ready to give up on any controversial tax proposals, including increasing the fair value of land by 20 percent. What can we say except that it is the fate of the people. It remains to be seen what the future will be for the protest started by the opposition against the controversial tax proposals.