Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, while presenting her third Rail budget, not only kept fares and freight rates untouched, but also promised to invest Rs 57,630 crore in the network in the financial year 2011/12. As expected, she barely attended to the mounting deficit of the transportation institution and instead yielded to gimmicks that befits a politician eyeing the polls—in this case, the West Bengal Assembly.
The Indian Railways in facing a financial crisis. Quite unlike the previous Indian Railways Minister Lalu Prasad yadav, who announced a surplus of Rs 25,000 crore (2008), this year things are going to be quite different.Total revenues from passenger and freight this year for Indian Railways has been around Rs 92,000 crore. Forbes says that it could fall short by Rs 4000 crore. However Didi concludes saying that there will be a surplus of 5250Crores this year which doesn't look probable at all.
The Finance Department released a report urging the Railways to hike fares in 2004 which is still unattended & surprisingly the fares have dipped by about 20% since then.
My Verdict:
Considering an average inflation rate of 10-12% prevailing in the last 5-6 years, prices of any commodity is expected to double by now. However our Railway Fares from 2004-05 have always seen a declining trend (I Seriously Wonder How).
A person earning Rs.1000 in 2005 now earns almost Rs.2000 on an average but pays the same Railway Fare. The logic is quite simple, The deficit in managing the Indian Railways is met by funds loaned out from World Bank or other foreign Monetary organization. In thirst for power our politicos are piling up a heap of debts on the name of the country. These debts are finally the burden of the Country & the citizens at large.
I seriously feel that these Common Man Budgets ( as they are popularly called as) are not a Boon but a Bane to us. There is a need to raise the prises steadily at a healthy rate without effecting the financials of a common man.
I was very much disturbed with all these thoughts & now feel relieved after sharing them in my blog. Hope the people in WB use they metal & vote against Mamta in the upcoming elections. I am eagerly waiting for the one tight slap on Didi's face.
Jai Hind... For a Better Nation
Definately Bane for AP....
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