In Defence of Fundamental Rights

While the Planning Commission is reported to have been opposed to the coal price hike at this juncture because of the chain effect it would have on other prices, the Finance Ministry was keen on a quick decision. According to reports, there was pressure from the World Bank to raise coal prices for generating internal resources for the development of the coal industry. Of course, the World Bank would not have insisted on a price hike if the resources could be generated through better management and optimum utilisation of resources. Unfortunately, frequent price hikes have become a routine manoeuvre to cover up inefficiency.