Date / - 18-09-2020


 On the one hand, the coronavirus epidemic has shrunk people's incomes, while rising prices for essential goods have raised concerns.  According to a survey conducted by Local Circles, essential goods have become more expensive in almost all parts of the country.  Eighty-three percent of the families surveyed said less money was coming home when they spent the same amount of money.  In many states, vegetable prices have risen by more than 50 percent.  The survey was conducted on more than 15,000 people in 214 districts of the country.  People were asked how much tomatoes, onions and potatoes were.  Sixty per cent of respondents said they had to spend Rs 40, Rs 35 for potatoes and Rs 30 for onions to buy a kg of tomatoes.  Sixteen per cent said they had bought a kg of tomatoes for Rs 40-60.  For them, the price of potatoes is Rs 20-29 per kg and the price of onions is Rs 15-29 per kg.


 Asked how family spending has changed over the past six months, 9 percent said they were spending less while earning less.  Ten percent said they were getting the same amount of money while spending the same amount of money.  Sixteen percent said they were spending the same amount of money and getting the same amount of stuff as before.  The main reason for the increase in the prices of essential commodities is the increase in transportation costs due to heavy rains, lack of labor and high diesel prices.  Many people have lost their livelihoods during the epidemic, or their incomes have been cut off or completely shut down.  At such times, the cost of essentials has made them anxious.  In March and April, when the lockdown was introduced in the country, people said they bought vegetables and packaged food at higher prices.  In some other places, goods were sold for more than the MRP due to lack of materials, according to the survey participants.




 Srinibash Rout