A State's good governance depends on its ability to limit unnecessary spending by its people. Debt traps are the result of unthinking spending sprees. In Kerala, increasing consumerism is set to impact the common man's well-being.
The State's ministers, cine artists and writers are queuing up to campaign for the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival. Forty kg of gold and many other gifts are on offer. The newspapers and TV channels are thrilled about the advertisements. The feeling of consumerism created by festival sponsors persuades people to replace the TV in good working condition with a flat LCD. Women are in a hurry to replace their old-fashioned ornaments with new ones. Poor people get more discontented watching the spending of the elite class. The prices of consumer products have increased. The State Government appears to be promoting excessive spending rather than curbing it!
K. A. Solaman
The Hindu Business Line 22 Dec 2009
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