(Pervez Bari): The Social Democratic Party of India, (SDPI), while condemning an across-the-board increase for all classes of rail travel with effect from January 21 midnight for the first time in 10 years, has demanded its immediate roll back.
Mr. E. Abubacker, the national president of SDPI, in a statement has termed the rail fare increase as unreasonable and unjustified on every count as the common man is already reeling under inflation and skyrocketing prices of essential commodities. It is very unfortunate and not acceptable at all. The hike indicates how insensitive the Congress-led UPA government has become to the sufferings of the common people. The Union government’s move is completely unethical and undemocratic, he added.
Mr. Abubacker lamented that the Union government without increasing amenities and ensuring foolproof safety of the railways has hiked the fare. A hike is justified only if services are improved. He said that without applying his mind the Railway Minister Mr. Pawan Bansal hiked the passenger fare when there are other means to increase the revenue of the railways. However, without going through the other ways the government is taking the easiest method to increase (railway) funds.
The statement said that Mr. Bansal has taken a straightforward route. Passenger fare hike alone is not the only way to increase revenue. The government has raised the fares across all classes; they have not given any relief to the middle class or lower middle class, which is very unfortunate.
Mr. Abubacker warned that SDPI will not hesitate to join other political parties to launch an agitation against the fare hike if it is not rolled back forthwith.
The fare hike ranges from two paisa per kilometre on second-class suburban trains and six paisa per kilometre on sleeper class to three, six and 10 paisa per kilometre on air-conditioned III, II and I classes, respectively, the statement pointed out. (pervezbari@eth.net)