Institute for Consumer Protection (ICP) has tried to justify its claim for reducing the price of petroleum products by removing VAT. This is Rs 6.92 and Rs 6.10 for diesel and petrol respectively ? ?l?express? 06.10.08?. Do you think that the Minister of Finance will accept to remove this VAT? Haven?t you heard our dear Dr R. Sithanen saying forcefully that the government needs money so as to subsidise ?riz ration? and flour? Have you forgotten the ?free transport? facilities for school children and the most respected senior citizens?

Just imagine that the government decides to remove VAT ? prices of diesel and petrol will be Rs 44.00 and Rs 40.70 respectively ? ?l?express? 06.10.08 but at the same time, no free transport facilities and no subsidy. Will this lead to any decrease in bus fare, claims of taxis, lorries, school buses etc?

Which choice will fetch greater affinity for the government? Do not forget the rejoicing of so many at the announcement of the maintenance of the welfare state. Who cares about the source of the money?

Those who are looking for the removal of VAT may have to wait until July 2010 when our closely monitored State Trading Corporation (STC) would have managed to have enough money for the next three months. Please, do not forget the skeleton of Rs 600 million left by the previous government at STC so tactfully retrieved from all of us, this is what is commonly called mass psychology.

<B>Dusruth DEWAN</B> <I>Former Rector SSS</I>