Protest against price rise on March 2

Condemning the rise in the prices of petrol, diesel and LPG, the CPM will stage a protest in front of the DC’s office in Madikeri on March 2, said CPM secretary E R Durgaprasad.

Speaking to reporters, he said that the Central government should have responded to the woes of the people during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the Union budget presented by the finance minister had not fulfiled the expectations of the people.

About 8% of the allocations to the agriculture sector had been reduced. As much as Rs 1,400 crore has been reduced to the mid-day meal scheme, he added.

In the health sector, the allocations have been reduced by Rs 800 crore. The budget was aimed at helping the rich and the corporates. The government is eager to privatise the public sector units, he alleged.

The price of petrol was Rs 47.32 in the international market in 2014, while it has declined to Rs 29.34 in 2021.

In spite of the slash in the price of crude, the price of fuel is increasing continuously in India. The Centre has increased the excise duty on petrol and diesel, said Durgaprasad.

The excise duty on petrol has been increased by 217% since 2014, he added.

To fill the gap of tax concession given for corporate companies, the government had to hike the excise duty. The price of petrol and diesel is reaching Rs 100 per litre, he said.

The government failed to announce a special package for Kodagu and support price for coffee. The protest is organised against the anti-people policies of the Central government, said Durgaprasad.