Sir,
At a time when employment and income opportunities have not increased significantly, the prices of daily necessities continue to rise. The rising costs of food, vegetables, pulses, rice, cooking oil, milk, cooking gas, transportation, education and healthcare have made everyday life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens.
The impact of inflation is being felt most severely by low- and middle-income families. People who have to manage their households on limited incomes are increasingly being forced to cut back even on basic necessities. If incomes remain stagnant while the prices of goods and services continue to rise, the purchasing power of ordinary citizens will inevitably decline.
Consumers are ultimately bearing the greatest burden. The inability of the authorities to effectively control excessive pricing in the market is a matter of serious concern.
The government must take immediate and effective measures to control inflation. Market monitoring should be regular and results-oriented. Businesses involved in artificial price increases and black-market activities must face strict action in accordance with the law. Relevant authorities must also ensure smooth supplies of essential goods and prevent unnecessary price hikes.
The government should not consider its responsibility fulfilled simply by deploying market-monitoring teams. It must identify where and why prices are increasing throughout the entire supply chain, from production to the final consumer, and seek permanent solutions. Long-term policies are also needed to increase agricultural production, promote local products and reduce unnecessary dependence on imports.
Citizens pay taxes, fulfill their responsibilities to the state and expect basic services and a secure standard of living from the government. Protecting citizens from arbitrary price increases in the market is therefore an important responsibility of the state.
Controlling inflation is not merely an economic issue; it is directly connected to the lives of ordinary citizens. A situation in which people struggle to put two meals on the table, afford their children’s education and pay for healthcare should be a serious concern for any responsible government.
The government must now move beyond formal commitments and take immediate, practical and result-oriented measures that ordinary people can actually feel. Ensuring that citizens do not reach a point where simply making a living becomes unbearable must be a priority.
Rabindra Shrestha,
Baneshwor, Kathmandu
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