It
is said one swallow does not make a summer, which means one good thing done
today or at a time on any given situation, does not mean all other things being
done or to be done would be good.
However
we would like to appreciate the swift responsible action taken by the new
government through its Finance ministry in reducing the domestic pump prices of
petrol, diesel and kerosene.
It
has essentially reduced the pump price for petrol, which is now D47.00 from to
D50 per litre, diesel D46.00 from D47.27 and kerosene D40.00 from D43.
And
it has urged oil marketing companies to adhere to the prices, saying it will continue to monitor developments in
the global oil market and make “appropriate adjustments when necessary”.
This
is sign of a responsible government, actions of which must be the order of the
day.
High
or escalating prices of fuel is a recipe for serious socio-economic problems
and hardship in a nation, as it can fuel rapid price rise of other commodities
and services in a country.
While
its direct impact will always be felt on instant increase in fares of
commercial vehicles, it trickle-down effects are so enormous and dire that it
touches on all facets of economic activity in society.
It
is, therefore, of paramount importance that a government remains alert and
sensitive to such societal ills and economic conundrums as fuel price rise.
So
if in our given situation the government is acting swiftly on taking steps that
would cushion anything that would bring about severe inflation and economic
hardship in the country, that needs to be recognised, more so that it is coming
on the backdrop of some salient constitutional amendments and reforms that have
been undertaken recently.
Having
said that, the new government must be ready for upcoming shocks and
unfavourable weather in the economic, political, social and other realms of
state-run affairs.
Meanwhile,
the price reduction of fuel should be applauded, as the government looks for
more ways of cushioning hardship in the country, and bringing about more
tangible development to the nation.
“Good
governance with good intentions is the hallmark of our government.
Implementation with integrity is our core passion”
Narendra
Modi
