In Kashmir, bread, especially the traditional “Kandur Tschott” (bakers’ bread), holds a significant cultural and nutritional place. For decades, it has been the most affordable staple for common people, transcending economic barriers. However, a sudden and alarming surge in its price has left ordinary Kashmiris distressed. Kashmir’s traditional bakers have decided to phase out the Rs 5 Tchout, bread, which was the most popular and hugely consumed one in the breakfast. Now they will be selling a 62-gram bread for Rs 10.
The bread phase-out started with the disappearance of Rs 0.50 paisa bread, Re 1 bread and now Rs 5 bread. This shift is expected to have a huge impact on the monthly spending for every family. What was once available for ₹5 is now priced at ₹10 or more—a stark reality that mirrors the broader inflationary pressures gripping the region. Alongside this, other essentials like meat, vegetables, and household necessities have also reached unaffordable levels, exposing glaring inefficiencies in price regulation mechanisms. This essay delves into the issue of bread pricing, the broader context of inflation in Kashmir, and the urgent need for government intervention to address this economic strain.
The Cultural Significance of “Tschott” and “Chochwor”: For generations, Kashmiri bread such as “tschott” and “chochwor” has been an inseparable part of the daily diet. These baked goods are not merely items of sustenance; they represent a cultural connection that fosters a sense of belonging among Kashmiris. Their affordability made them a staple for households across economic classes, serving as a symbol of egalitarianism. The recent doubling of prices has disrupted this balance, forcing low-income families to reconsider even this most basic purchase.
The Current Price Hike: An Alarming Trend; The price of the simplest bread, which was ₹5 just recently, now stands at ₹10—the lowest category in the market. For families that depend on bread as a dietary staple, this sudden inflation is devastating. Bread makers (Kandur) argue that the rising costs of raw materials like flour, yeast, and fuel have left them no choice but to increase prices. However, the unregulated monopoly of Kandurs exacerbates the issue, leaving consumers at their mercy.
The ripple effect of this hike extends beyond bread. It symbolizes a larger crisis in price control across all essential commodities, from meat—sold at ₹700 per kilogram—to vegetables, which are now at unprecedented rates. The absence of regulatory mechanisms has allowed unchecked inflation, burdening the common man who is already grappling with economic challenges.
Where is the Price Control Authority? The role of a price control authority is critical in ensuring the affordability of essential commodities. Yet in Kashmir, this authority appears to be either absent or ineffective. The Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, which is responsible for regulating prices, claims helplessness in the face of inflation.
This apathy raises several questions:1.Regulatory Oversight: Why has the price control authority failed to monitor and regulate the pricing of bread and other essentials?2.Accountability: Who is responsible for ensuring that the monopoly of Kandurs does not exploit the common man?3.Transparency: Are price hikes justified by genuine increases in production costs, or are they a result of profiteering?
The Broader Context of Inflation: Inflation in Kashmir is not confined to bread alone. The cost of living has skyrocketed across the board, driven by factors such as supply chain disruptions, rising fuel prices, and inadequate market regulation. Essential items like cooking oil, rice, and pulses have also seen sharp price hikes. For a region where unemployment and underemployment are prevalent, such inflationary pressures create significant economic distress. The lack of governmental oversight exacerbates this situation. While authorities cite logistical challenges and global economic trends, the reality is that local inefficiencies and monopolistic practices play a significant role in driving prices upward.
The Role of the Government: The government has a critical role to play in alleviating the economic burden on its citizens. Yet, the current administration has largely failed to address the price hike of essential commodities. The Chief Minister and other officials must recognize the urgency of this crisis and take immediate action.Steps the Government Must Take: a.Price Regulation: Establish a transparent and effective mechanism to monitor and regulate prices of essential commodities, including bread. b. Market Oversight: Break monopolistic practices by introducing competition in the production and distribution of bread.c.Subsidies: Provide subsidies on essential raw materials to bakers, ensuring that the price of bread remains affordable. d. Consumer Awareness: Educate consumers about their rights and encourage them to report instances of overpricing or exploitation. e. Legal Framework: Strengthen laws and regulations to penalize profiteering and ensure compliance with price caps.
The Role of Civil Society: While government intervention is crucial, civil society also has a role to play in addressing this crisis. Community leaders, non-governmental organizations, and consumer advocacy groups must come together to demand accountability from both the government and bread makers. Initiatives such as cooperative baking units, community-run grocery stores, and public awareness campaigns can help mitigate the impact of inflation on ordinary citizens.
The Human Cost of Inflation: Beyond economic statistics, the human cost of inflation in Kashmir is staggering. Families are forced to compromise on basic necessities, leading to nutritional deficiencies, mental stress, and social inequalities. Bread, once considered a symbol of sustenance and simplicity, has now become a marker of financial struggle.
Children from low-income families are among the worst affected, as their daily diet becomes increasingly inadequate. Similarly, senior citizens, who rely on fixed pensions, are unable to cope with the rising costs of essentials. This economic strain undermines the social fabric of Kashmiri society, where sharing and caring for one another have always been central values.
A Call to Action: Addressing the issue of bread pricing and broader inflation requires a multi-faceted approach that combines governmental intervention, civil society action, and individual responsibility. The Chief Minister and relevant authorities must take immediate steps to streamline the pricing of essential commodities. Price control mechanisms must be strengthened, and the monopoly of Kandurs must be broken to ensure that bread remains affordable for every Kashmiri.
Citizens, too, have a role to play. By supporting community initiatives and holding authorities accountable, they can contribute to creating a fair and equitable marketplace. After all, the right to affordable food is a fundamental aspect of human dignity, and no one should be denied this basic necessity.
The sudden increase in the price of bread in Kashmir is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by inflation and unregulated markets. For a society where bread symbolizes sustenance and unity, this crisis strikes at the very heart of everyday life. It is imperative that the government, civil society, and individuals come together to address this issue, ensuring that every Kashmiri can afford the simple, yet essential, “Kandur Tschott.” By streamlining the pricing of essentials and fostering accountability, Kashmir can uphold its traditions of resilience, compassion, and equality in the face of economic adversity.
