AIDWA protests in Prakasam over 50% spike in essential commodity prices

The All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) held a protest at the Collectorate in Ongole on Monday, drawing attention to a sharp rise in the prices of essential commodities, which the organisation said had increased by over 50% in the past month.

Kankanala Ramadevi, AIDWA's district secretary, said Prakasam district is experiencing drought-like conditions and a lack of employment opportunities due to the impact of El Niño. She held the policies of the Central and State governments responsible for the current situation, stating that life has become extremely difficult for ordinary people.

Speaking at the protest, Ms. Ramadevi demanded immediate government intervention to control prices and sought the supply of 14 types of essential goods at subsidised rates through ration depots. She also criticised the granting of rights over food crops to corporate entities and accused major traders and middlemen of diverting essential commodities to the black market, which she said was driving up prices.

AIDWA noted that the protest was part of a state-wide campaign against rising prices, which is pushing poor and middle-class families into severe hardship amid meagre earnings. The organisation warned that if prices are not brought under control, it would launch further state-wide protests.

District assistant secretary G. Adilakshmi and treasurer B. Rajalakshmi also addressed the gathering. Following the protest, an AIDWA delegation submitted a memorandum to Collector P. Raja Babu, who assured them that their demands would be brought to the government's notice.