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This refers to your editorial “Opportunity and challenge” and also a letter to the editor captioned “Fall in inflation rate” (both of November 15). I agree with that the euphoria exhibited by us when inflation rate goes down a little is unwarranted. It might even give the impression that prices are coming down!

As election frenzy sets in, the present government is likely to harp on having brought down inflation and claim credit. For governments, generally, when inflation goes up, it is because of factors outside their control, but falling inflation is all due to its efforts.

It is because of such election logic that the government is not taking any action even though it is clear the indices are back-dated and do not reflect the current spending pattern of the common citizen. And 8.98 per cent or even 7 per cent is not low inflation.

Even at 7 per cent inflation, the cost of living will double in 10 years. This will hurt the retired or those not in the more paying sectors of the economy.

Bhaskar Sen Kolkata

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