Kerala CM Oommen Chandy calls for roll back of rail fare hike

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Monday asked the Centre to roll back railway passenger fare and freight rate hikes as it would lead to rise in prices of essential commodities.

Speaking in the assembly on a notice seeking an adjournment motion moved by CPI-M led LDF opposition, Chandy said it was the responsibility of the government to understand the difficulties of the people, and added, the "fare hike should have been avoided".

He said there was a move to weaken the Public Distribution System and details in this regard would be revealed later.

Replying to the notice for motion moved by Elamaram Kareem (CPI-M), Food Minister Anoop Jacob said the government was considering a proposal to increase the quantity of food items supplied on subsidies rates. Steps also would be taken to contain prices of commodities.

Kareem criticised the rail fare hike and said due to policies of state and Centre, people were suffering and wanted the assembly to pass a resolution against the fare hike.

Chandy said as CPI leader C Divakaran had already given a notice for a discussion on the subject, the government was ready to take the issue for a debate on another day.