Opposition motion urges govt to control prices of essential goods
Adam Shareef said that while prices of commodities are rising, there is no way many people can cut down on their expenses.
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By
Mariyam Umna Ismail
Expressing concern over rising prices of goods and services in the country, the opposition coalition on Monday moved a resolution in the parliament, urging the government to control the rising prices.
The resolution was moved on behalf of the opposition coalition by Maduvvari MP Adam Shareef, who is also the leader of the PNC parliamentary group in the coalition. During the day's proceedings, the Chair delivered the first cue of the resolution.
With the increase in GST on goods, the prices of food items and services commonly consumed in everyday needs have gone up since January, the resolution first focused on statistics. Quoting data from the National Bureau of Statistics, Adan Shareef said that since January:
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Prices of commonly consumed food items and services have gone up by 7%
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Prices have risen by 7.82% over the past few years, while inflation has risen to 75% in the previous fiscal year alone
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Food outlets saw a 4.3% rise in prices
Adam Shareef, who had earlier voted against increasing GST from 6% to 8% from this year, said that while prices of commodities are rising, there is no way many people can resist their expenses. That's why he called on the government:
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To reconsider the hiked GST
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To bring down the prices of services offered by state-owned companies
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Govt to devise ways to control prices of atrociously priced commodities
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Ensure that market prices are kept in the hands of the people during the fasting period
As the country is also being impacted by the global economic slowdown, the rates at which parliament passed to increase the state's revenues are as follows:
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From public services (GST) - to 8%
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From the tourist service providers (TGST) - up to 16%
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