Soaring prices strain Kerala households: Immediate government intervention needed

Over the past decade and a half, the cost of daily living has more than doubled, while family incomes have not increased accordingly. Running a household for a month has become a Herculean task for common people. The recent surge in the prices of spices and vegetables has exacerbated this challenge. A staggering 90 percent of the amount spent by families in Kerala goes into the pockets of distributors and farmers in other states. Unlike in the past, when price increases were seasonal, now it doesn't even take a week for the price of a commodity to double. In such circumstances, it is the government's market intervention that keeps prices in check.

Strengthening the supply of quality food grains through ration shops and accelerating the distribution of essential commodities and vegetables at reasonable prices through Supplyco, Consumer Fed, Horti Corp Banks, etc., will help bring public market prices down. Currently, the price of most vegetables is above Rs 100 per kg, with tomatoes at Rs 100, beans at Rs 120 and garlic at Rs 300. The price of nuts has risen from Rs 100 per kg last month to Rs 160 now. Jaya rice has increased from Rs 39 to Rs 42. Such inflation disrupts the family budget not only for the common man but also for the better-off middle class.

Many people receive their salaries after loan repayments and other deductions. From this reduced amount, they must cover family expenses, children's education costs, vehicle fuel expenses, electricity charges and more. Households with only one income are truly struggling each month. In the meantime, if the prices of essential commodities continue to skyrocket, any citizen will wonder if there is a government to control this. Creditor excuses such as lack of rain and hot weather in northern India and sellers' justifications for price increases, do not alleviate the burden on buyers who have no choice but to pay the quoted prices.

The news published by 'Kerala Kaumudi' about the price hike has sparked a discussion in the Legislative Assembly. Roji M. John, who gave notice for the adjournment motion, highlighted the news in 'Kerala Kaumudi' and criticized the government. In response, the Finance Minister, Minister of Food and Agriculture Minister stated in the House that action will be taken to contain the price rise. However, with Rs 600 crore dues to SupplyCo suppliers, proper distribution has not occurred, leaving Supplyco's shelves empty. If the finance department pays the dues to Supplyco, Consumer Fed, Horti Corp, etc. prices could drop significantly within a week. Immediate and decisive action from the government is imperative to alleviate this growing crisis.