I would like to see fuel prices go even higher, if only that meant public transport and alternate transport systems would improve, as they are in Delhi with the Metro+battery auto combo for example. Put misuse of diesel aside for a while, though that needs to be resolved, too . . . But why will public transport not improve in most of India? Tolls, permit fees, seat taxes, basic corruption & Entry taxes and much more are levied on public transport and buses by multiple entities and thats one reason for a sort of domino effect. Just sit with a bus operator and listen to the list that emerges. (Always always follow the money) 1) Local bodies who see it as a revenue exercise and are not bothered about social cost. 2) Fuel lobby who see higher sales to private vehicles 3) New vehicle manufacturers ditto 4) Cops who for obvious benefits want to see more targets on road 5) Toll/entry tax contractors and their bunch of hoods. 6) Lawmakers who see people involved in collecting tolls as loyal followers. 7) Cash conversion black to white business 8) Hoarders who see this as a way to block fresh produce reaching urban centres When these lobbies are so strong, trying to cancel them is not easy, especially when we end up going to the same hoods looking for solutions!! The only hope is a strong man at the centre. And meanwhile, the season of confernces and seminars on everything under the sun is on us again. To organisers of such events, unless they are good friends OR the meal is vegetarian, my single-point question is - what sort of fish is on the menu? If it is basa/catfish, I am not coming, not worth the cost of the fuel burnt and valet parking.
Posted on: Tue, 01 Jul 2014 01:31:45 +0000
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