Prices hike

Thu Apr 19, 2007 2:24 am (PST)
Market prices soar even as news of salary hike spreads Khonumthung News April 19, 2007 Even before the Burmese military regime puts into place a proposed hike in salaries of government employees in May market prices have begun to soar. A local in Kalay Myo, in Chin state, said that prices of all essential commodities like rice, edible oil and petrol have begun to go up. In Kalay Myo the price of rice, called Ayamin locally, has increased from Kyat 12,000 to Kyat 20,000 per bag. The cost of petrol has risen from Kyat 4,800 to Kyat 5,200. Edible oil, salt and Ajinomoto have become more expensive. “Casual labourers are facing severe problems given the skyrocketing prices. They are the worst hit and are finding it difficult to feed their families,” said a local in Tahan. The monthly salary of government servants like a high school headmaster is Kyat. 70,000. High school teachers earn Kyat 44,000 while middle school and primary teachers earn Kyat 38,000 and Kyat 27,000 respectively. It is hard to fathom the quantum of pay rise in the offing. At the moment government servants are also facing problems because of the increasing market prices, although they know their salaries will go up. “The condition will worsen if the market prices continue to spiral and the situation will be grave if salaries do not go up,” said a Chin. Bus fares have increased as a consequence of petrol rates going up, which again is having an effect on prices of essential commodities. The prices keep rising as the Myanmar government pays more salary to it employees including those in the defense services. For Further More Information-Email- khonumthung@ yahoo.comMobile- +91- 9862367769