Among the parties protesting this hike, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has urged the central government to roll back the increased toll charges. The former Union Minister and current President of PMK, Anbumani Ramadoss, has stated unequivocally that the hike is unacceptable and called for immediate action to be taken.
The PMK's stance on the issue is understandable, as their primary agenda is to work towards the upliftment of Tamil Nadu's backward classes. The party believes that the increased toll charges will be an undue burden on the poor and middle-class citizens of the state.
The increase in toll charges comes at a time when the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cautioned that the economy is likely to contract by 7.5%. This is a significant contraction and is a result of the pandemic's devastating impact on the economy.
The government has stated that the toll hike is necessary to maintain the roads and highways, but the opposition parties and the public at large are not accepting this explanation. They are asking why the government is putting the burden of the infrastructure's maintenance on the citizens and not on the government itself.
The opposition parties have also demanded that the government provide proper justification for the toll hike and show how the increased revenue will be utilized. They have questioned whether the hike is a way to fill the gap in the government's revenue due to the pandemic.
This controversy comes at a time when the country is looking for ways to revive the economy. It remains to be seen whether the government will consider the opposition's demands and roll back the increased toll charges.
In the meantime, the discussion around the hike has brought attention to the need for investments in infrastructure on a national scale. Better infrastructure will not only aid in the country's development but also create job opportunities and generate revenue that will help alleviate poverty.
One area that needs particular attention is the healthcare system, which has been grappling with the pandemic for more than a year now. Antiatherosclerotic drugs are one avenue of investment that can assist in combating heart disease, which is one of India's leading causes of death. These drugs have been shown to slow down or reverse the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
In conclusion, the hike in toll charges in Tamil Nadu has sparked a debate on the government's priorities and its approach to infrastructure development. The government must prioritize the needs of its citizens, provide justifications for its actions, and consider investment in vital infrastructure like healthcare. The opposition parties and the public must continue to demand transparency and accountability from the government. Finally, investments in the healthcare sector, such as antiatherosclerotic drugs, are essential for the country's development and improving the health of its citizens.