COVID19 SQUEEZING

After a long hue and cry the central government have started air lifting of Indian nationals held up in various countries. The travelers complain that the fare charged are much above the normal charges. It is also reported that in some of the flights seats distancing is not maintained. People were sitting in close seats one after the other. 

According to a World Bank report of 2018, India to retain top position with remittence of $ 80 billion. This is the amount of money these people send to our country every year. Even if the government could not have provided free lift to all at least a concessional fare could have offered to the needy.

Indian Railway is also not different in charging from the evacuated migrant workers and the lot. The train departing from New Delhi to Thiruvananthapuram is a fully air conditioned train and the fare is understood to be equivalent to Rajdhani Express. While the government is discouraging the AC in home quarantine the railway could have provided at least 50% of non AC sleeper coaches so that the ordinary workers could have afforded the journey. On the other hand, imposing the highest rail fare, does not hold much of a justification when all the six berths are allowed to be used in a three tier coach.

Any government that do not see their people as their own may have the same reciprocation from the people too.

KV George

kvgeorgein@gmail.com