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>During the last three months, the prices of food items in Nepal have skyrocketed unimaginably. The price of oil has increased by up to 50 per cent, rice has gone up significantly, and other basic foodstuffs have also become dearer. If this trend continues, in a year from now these items will be beyond the reach of the common people. In other words, the number of people who would need to cut down on their staple food might go up considerably. Or, there will be a greater number of empty stomachs and anarchic minds. Who is the culprit behind all this? Obviously, the government can be blamed. Black marketers cannot be left out. And the ever-bickering political leaders should also get their share of the blame. But we always fail to blame the biggest culprits behind all the social ills--we ourselves. Yes, we are the biggest culprits. We have neither realised this, nor would we admit it even if it was told to us.
What makes prices go up? Basically, it depends on supply and demand; and there aren't adequate stocks in the marketplace at present. There are many reasons behind the shortage, but the major one is constant road blockades. Not that all of us go out to block the roads, but how many times have we spoken out against such obstructions? Most of us consider that it is the government's headache, but never consider the impact of such disruptive actions on our daily lives. Our social norms and values have degraded to such a pathetic level that--for whatever grievance--bus drivers and conductors stop plying their vehicles, students close down schools, daily-wage labourers take to throwing stones instead of working to earn money, and even doctors and engineers go on strike. Rallies aimed at enhancing traffic awareness produce bizarre results like gridlock extending for kilometres, journalists demanding freedom prevent others from enjoying theirs, and advocates threaten to quit pleading in the courts. We forget that all these actions have a direct impact on production, transportation, competition, investment and the environment. As a result, prices go up and we suffer, at which we will probably take to the streets once again.
However, the government cannot be let off scot-free on this matter. If the Nepal government wishes to retain the people's support, which is at a low ebb, it has to ensure a free flow of vehicles and goods around the country. It has to understand that each day the highways are closed, the prices of consumable goods escalate further. Moreover, one of the major reasons food prices have shot up recently is the ban imposed by India on the export of foodstuffs. We believe that Nepal will be exempted from the embargo if the government lobbies effectively with South Block. India won't lose much by excusing Nepal because cross-border racketeers will anyhow sneak in anything and everything through the 1,700-kilometre-long open border. Hence, by prohibiting the sale of basic farm products to Nepal, India is only penalising the poor people of Nepal and rewarding the smugglers.
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