By IANS,
Thiruvananthapuram : Already burdened with increased bus fares and electricity charges, the people of Kerala got another jolt Saturday when the state government gave the go ahead to hike water rates.
The liaison committee meeting of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) that oversees the running of the V.S. Achuthanandan government accorded approval for increasing water charges.
“For the past few months the Kerala Water Authority has been suffering huge losses on account of increased power tariff. Hence, we asked the government to see that an increase in water charges be allowed without causing much burden to the people,” LDF convenor Vaikom Viswan told reporters after the meeting.
The electricity tariff was increased early this month, while bus fares were hiked last month.
The LDF meeting also asked the government to take appropriate decision to sanction more professional colleges in private sector.
“The government should see that while sanction is given, it should be seen that social justice and merit should be the key consideration,” said Viswan.