By IANS,
New Delhi : The decision to increase railway freight charges will lead to higher prices of essential commodities adding to the burden of inflation on the people, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) said here Friday.
The railways have decided to increase freight rate for loading of foodgrains, pulses and fertilisers by 8.33 percent. The new rate will come into effect Feb 1.
Urging the government to withdraw the hike, the CPI-M said: “The hike, coming at a time when the central government has had to bow to public pressure and reduce prices of diesel and petrol, is entirely unwarranted and will lead to higher prices of essential commodities adding to the burden of inflation on the people.”
In a statement, the party politburo also said: “The CPI-M strongly opposes the increase of freight charges by the railway ministry for transport of essential commodities like foodgrains, pulses and fertilisers by as much as 8.33 percent.”
Calling upon the people to protest this hike, the statement added: “The increase of freight charges on fertilisers is shocking and reflects the total insensitivity of the government to the distress being faced by farmers.”