Take note

Sir — The retail inflation figure at 6.3 per cent for May 2021, breaching the limit set by the Reserve Bank of India, raises worrying questions (“Through the roof”, June 18). Considering the current economic situation in the country where the government has completely failed to control the rising prices of essential commodities, chances are that the actual figure is much higher. In any case, the everyday reality for the common people, struggling to make ends meet, is much worse than figures indicate.

With inflation rates no longer under control, it is time that the RBI takes swift measures. It is expected that the prices of essential goods will keep rising in the near future. The Central government has failed in its promises of providing a better quality of life to the people of the country. Its dreams of a five trillion dollar economy seem farther away than ever before. It is essential that the government regulates the prices of at least some basic food items so that the ordinary people of India do not starve to death.

Bhagwan Thadani,
Mumbai

Sir — There is no doubt that rising inflation, both retail and wholesale, can no longer be ignored. Retail inflation remained on average at above 6 per cent in 2020-21. The key factors driving up inflation now are fuel and commodity prices that are rising globally, distorted domestic tax policies as well as a higher pricing power in a clutch of items and services. The Central excise duty on petrol and diesel stands at around Rs 32-33 a litre. To this, the state governments add another Rs 18-20. The Centre and states should work out a reduction formula, forsaking short-term revenue gains, so that the common people can get some relief.

It is time that the 15 per cent import duty levied on edible oils is revised to blunt the impact of global price rises as India imports more than half of its requirements. Shockingly, retail edible oil prices were up by 30.8 per cent in May. The government must also work on keeping steel and cement prices in check.

While pursuing growth is important, policymakers cannot be seen as being indifferent to inflation as it can negate all efforts to revive the economy. The RBI now must face this challenge head on.

N. Sadhasiva Reddy,
Bangalore

Freedom denied

Sir — Recently, freedom of speech took another hit in Hong Kong as five editors and executives of Apple Daily were arrested for endangering national security by calling for international sanctions against Hong Kong and China. The anti-government protests that shook the region in 2019 have been largely silenced with most activists in jail or fleeing abroad. Unless the international community exerts pressure on the authorities, democracy — whatever little is left of it — will completely cease to exist in Hong Kong.

Anamika Saha,
Calcutta