‘Why revadi is heavy on the middle class’: Mumbai author breaks down the hidden costs of freebies

With governments offering free luxury and grant plans to various parts, a decisive question is often running: Who really pays for them? The author and strategic residing in Mumbai, Depac Gadg, refers to an increase in daily prices such as an increase of $ 100 in the prices of Chevesten Bus between Mumbai and Bion with hidden costs borne by the middle class.

“In the budget, there was this big announcement about about $ 1 for Cham in addition to tax savings for the middle class. But the government has already received $ 12,000 from me once the fare increased by $ 100,” he wrote in the LinkedIn post.

Ghadge argues that although social welfare plans aim to help some, the burden of their financing is passed quietly through the high but cumulative prices that affect daily life.

With the participation of his personal experience, Gadge writes, “I travel to Mumbai to Bonnie often. Every week I generally take the Shivneri bus run by MSRTC – it’s fast and shiny, most of them on time.”

But the last trip came at an unexpected cost. “I used to be $ 610 for the $ 400 bust fare – already a 50 % difference. My surprise, I was asked to pay $ 700. I asked Mosul why the fare is very high? He said the fare has increased by 15 %.”

It indicates that the increase of 15 % is twice the inflation rate, and when you already charge a 50 % installment compared to private players. “Mosul’s response was clear:” We cannot do anything, it’s the government’s decision. “

Ghadge breaks it further:

• 40 seats per bus, $ 100 per ticket.
• 4 flights per day = an additional $ 16,000 per bus per day.
• 3500 bus buses = 5.6 rupees of additional daily revenue.
• Over the course of 300 days, this is 1,680 rupees annually.

However, passengers do not receive any additional benefit. “By giving another $ 100, I don’t reach 45 minutes before. I still take the same time. I don’t serve any soft drinks, tea or coffee,” Gadge writes.

It warns that “small increases” have become an invisible tax on the middle class, and the financing of promotional gift plans. “Do not fall or vote for free because we only pay for them. Don’t promise free societies – instead, build infrastructure, skill, entrepreneurship #Ecosystem, and create jobs and markets.”

Ghadge also highlights the broader tax burden: “Today we are paying an average of 12 to 18 % commodity tax and services on all the goods and services that we consume, as well as income tax. Either we reduce tax proportions or cancel income tax. More taxpayers means more money for #Development.”