Galloping price of essentials

At this point we recall the statements given by responsible ministers in the recent past to the effect that prices would "come down from June". The month of June has just passed, but we see no reflection of that statement in the markets. And our desolation only doubles when we are told point blank by none other than the commerce minister that it is not his responsibility to see whether prices of essential commodities have come down or not. If he has no responsibility then please tell us who is actually responsible for price control in this government. To be honest, this is beginning to sound more like a pillow passing game in a picnic party.

Common sense tells us that no country can progress along the development path if the government cannot keep the prices of essential commodities under control with an iron fist. Such markets affect the lives of the people on a daily basis, and affordable price indexes are the primary indicators of good governance. Erratic market behaviour only establishes the fact that there is no one in control, and understandably that sends damaging signals all around. In a free market economy, there must be freedom to do business, but that must not be mistaken for a free-for-all licence.

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We have a feeling that the present government is saddled with some vicious syndicates that it cannot shake off its back. The failure of more than one ministry in controlling market price of essential commodities substantiates this feeling.