While the reported decision of the government to >stop providing subsidised kerosene through the PDS is a step in the direction of fiscal prudence (Dec. 5), it must be implemented in a phased manner and in stages. This has to go side by side with total electrification and the supply of alternative cooking fuels from renewable sources.
Sahil Garg,
Sirsa, Haryana
The decision is a hurried one and demonstrates the government’s commitment more to the process of curbing fiscal deficit than to providing relief to the downtrodden. How can the government forget that kerosene is still used as a fuel across large swathes of rural India? There needs to be balance while taking decisions that affect the have-nots.
A.G. Rajmohan,
Anantapur
The Modi government appears to be making decisions at great speed without considering their impact on the common person. In a typical middle class family, putting curbs on LPG connections can lead to problems. Non-subsidised 5-kg LPG cylinders are not seen in northeastern India. Now comes another blow — the decision to stop subsidised kerosene, which will only make things even more difficult. The government’s justification that localities with electricity supply do not need kerosene is a joke as there is hardly any continuous power supply, especially from the evening, across India. The absolute mandate gained by the BJP should not be used as a blank cheque by the Centre to bulldoze the people. The Modi government needs to set up a National Advisory Council-like forum in order to come out with people-friendly decisions.
Joyprakash Kalita,
Kalag, Assam
