For the week up-to January 23, India's food inflation had managed to peak to 17.56%, a worrisome figure for many, but there were others who were expecting things to get better with the imminent Union Budget for the year 2010-11. And when it was finally released a few days back, it was clear that despite efforts, little, if any, has been done in the latest report to try and curb the inflation, which has still continued to grow.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's budget report includes steps to cut down deficit, and a promise to bring it down by 5.5% of the total GDP starting April 1, and continue cutting it further over the coming years, and there are some hikes here and some cuts there, but the common man has failed to find a provision to fight inflation, despite some experts terming the latest report as the "Budget of the Poor Man".

An increase in the prices of petrol, diesel and other such “somewhat” luxurious commodities has hurt many, but the Minister has tried to balance things out by offering tax cuts. But would these help the lower-income group in anyway? It is not like this section was paying heavy taxes to begin with, where it will now be able to save. But yes, this group will definitely be affected by an increase in the prices of general commodities.

Looking at the way things are progressing, and the budget report, food inflation, it seems, will rise even further, with the prices of fuel being directly related to the prices of production and transportation of food items and commodities.

Although the FM and the ruling Government have tried to present a balanced budget, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assuring time and again that the food inflation is under control and the "worst is over", looks like the common man will have to struggle for a bit, till some effective measures are taken.

(Image Credits: AP)