Why I opted out of LPG subsidy.

Though I desired to opt out of the LPG subsidy for quite some time, the reasoning mind would block with the following:

1.   Why should I give up anything that is coming unasked for?

2.   What difference will it make if I alone opt out?

3.   Govt. & Public Sector managed old marketing companies like IOL, HPCL, BPCL are allegedly models of financial inefficiency and irregularities. Government should exhibit financial prudence first and then prod the citizens to give up.

4. What visible measures are in place to reduce wasting on non-essential items like business class travel, five star entertainment etc. Have all officers of Govt oil companies opted out of LPG subsidy?

5.   Even though Government is paying the subsidy amount to the Oil marketing companies, after all, it is making it up by our tax money.

6.   Why should I increase the profitability of a company?

However, at the time of Independence Day, my mind thought:

1. Do I wish to be in a list of customers who buys a product below the production cost/market cost
2. Do I wish or am I belonging to a category who seeks aid for regular domestic consumption.
3. When I undertake an endeavour, I do it without any great consideration for what others would do or think: then, why am I now looking at others?
4. Providing subsidy or inability to remove subsidy are both centred on populism. Interestingly, we are the vocal people who protest populism!
5. After getting consumables at market price, I have the right to assert and ask the Government to mend the deficiencies in fiscal management.

This change in thinking helped me give up subsidy on LPG cylinder.

Finally, what if I give up Rs 5K more per Year, when I truly feel like undertaking an endeavour. It has given a sense of agreement.

I am mailing this to my wife too, as I have not discussed before opting out!

Dr. Sharad M. Tanga