By Satish Aparajit
The Indian middle class — the “Aam Aadmi” — is once again being asked to tighten its belt. At a time when inflation is rising, the rupee is weakening, fuel prices are soaring, and uncertainty clouds the economy, citizens are being handed what many sarcastically call the “7 Commandments” of economic survival. Ironically, we grew up hearing about the famous “Ten Commandments” of morality and discipline. But these new economic commandments appear less about ethics and more about managing a crisis that everyone knew was coming — yet was politically postponed.
The economic stress did not suddenly appear overnight. Rising global crude prices, weakening foreign exchange reserves, inflationary pressure, and pressure on the rupee were visible months earlier. Yet major decisions were conveniently delayed until the conclusion of elections in five states, especially West Bengal, where political stakes were extremely high, it was make or break for the saffron colour.
Fuel prices remained artificially controlled during the election period. The moment the elections concluded, petrol and diesel prices began climbing rapidly. The timing raised uncomfortable questions: if the crisis was already known, why was the burden postponed only until after votes were cast? For the common citizen, this looked less like economic management and more like political management.
India imports nearly 85% of its crude oil requirements. Any rise in global oil prices directly impacts the Indian economy. Policymakers were fully aware of the shrinking fuel reserves and increasing import costs, particularly in view of the ongoing Iran-USA war. Yet, instead of preparing the public honestly and gradually, the impact was suddenly transferred to consumers after the elections. If one is to believe the devils, we only have nine and a half days reserves against 45 days as claimed. I cannot authenticate this statement.
Today, transportation costs are rising, food prices are increasing, and inflation is quietly eating into household savings. The middle class pays more for everything — from vegetables to school transport — because fuel drives the entire economy.
One of the most controversial suggestions was the appeal to avoid buying gold. The reasoning offered is that importing gold drains foreign exchange reserves and strengthens the dollar economy by almost 70% of the gold price imported in the country.
This advice is not entirely new. During the rule of the Indian National Congress government, former Finance Minister P Chidambaram had also urged citizens to reduce gold purchases. Even Indira Gandhi had once appealed for restraint during difficult economic times. However, one can argue that the present tone sounds less like a request and more like a directive. Adding to public anger is the sharp increase in taxes and duties on gold, reportedly rising by nearly 15% in various forms over time. For many Indian families, gold is not merely a luxury — it is social security, tradition, and emergency savings.
An interesting debate concerns the enormous gold reserves held in temples, especially in South India. Temples such as Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Tirupati Tirumalai & many others are believed to possess vast quantities of gold and precious assets. Supporters of economic reforms argue that, if the nation truly faces a severe forex and liquidity crisis, why not create a voluntary national gold deposit mechanism using temple reserves? Such reserves could help reduce dependence on imports and strengthen national finances. Some of my friends and opponents counter that temple wealth belongs to devotees and religious institutions, not the state. Any attempt to directly access such wealth could trigger enormous social and political backlash. It may be, but that’s the way out. The discussion may remain deeply sensitive and economically tempting, yet politically explosive.
India’s economy is showing visible stress signals. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have withdrawn billions from Indian markets, reflecting global uncertainty and concerns over inflation and interest rates. The rupee has weakened sharply against the dollar, making imports even more expensive. Foreign exchange reserves have also declined significantly from earlier highs. Among Asian currencies, the rupee has often been counted among the weaker performers during periods of global instability.
For the common citizen, these macroeconomic indicators translate into real heart burn: Higher prices, Reduced purchasing power, Expensive imports, Slower job growth & Uncertain business conditions. The “Aam Aadmi” may not follow forex charts daily, but he certainly notices the rising grocery bill.
Another suggestion encouraging work from home has also drawn criticism. Many corporations today are actively pushing employees back into offices after the pandemic years. Businesses argue that productivity, collaboration, and company culture improve with physical presence. So when governments encourage work from home as a fuel-saving measure while companies demand office attendance, employees are caught in confusion. The burden again falls on ordinary workers who have little control over corporate policies.
Citizens are also being informally advised to avoid overseas travel to conserve foreign exchange. Why? What’s the logic? International travel contributes to business, tourism, education, sports and global trade exposure. Should restrictions apply only to ordinary citizens while political delegations, VIP entourages, and government events continue uninterrupted? The “Aam Aadmi” sees double standards where sacrifice is demanded selectively.
The call to “buy Indian products” sounds patriotic and sensible. Supporting domestic manufacturing is important for any economy. However, the reality is far more complicated. A large percentage of products sold in India — from electronics and mobile accessories to toys, electrical goods, and even festival decorations, depend heavily on Chinese manufacturing or components. Even products branded as Indian often rely on Chinese supply chains so much so that the “Samagri” for Puja is also imported from China. The famous Banarasi silk sari also now comes from China, believe it or not is up to the readers but that’s a fact.
Thus, the citizen is left wondering: what exactly qualifies as fully Indian anymore?
Encouraging car-pooling to save petrol and diesel is practical advice. Shared transportation can reduce congestion, pollution, and fuel consumption. However, many citizens ask whether the same austerity is being practiced by the political leadership. Reducing the Prime Minister’s entourage by 50% may sound symbolic, but national leaders naturally require strong security. Yet why should ministers, MLAs, MPs, and Chief Ministers and Governors move with massive convoys of vehicles while ordinary traffic is halted for long periods? It was, indeed hilarious to watch a video of the nautanki enacted by a Minister in the hill state who rode a scooter to office but the cameraman forgot to exclude his official car from the frame that followed him. Of course, gimmicks are part and parcel of the political life in India.
Most citizens today believe that no politician other than the highest constitutional authorities should require extravagant convoys. Public inconvenience in the name of VIP movement has become a growing frustration.
Questions were also raised about the necessity of expensive ceremonial events such as military flypasts and air shows near Somnath Temple during a period when the nation was reportedly worried about limited fuel reserves. If I may ask: if fuel conservation is so urgent that citizens must reduce travel and alter lifestyles, should state-sponsored spectacles continue without scrutiny? Many of my friends and supporters are of the view that national events and military displays inspire patriotism and morale. Even is that be true, symbolism cannot replace economic discipline. Every economic crisis eventually lands on the shoulders of the Aam Aadmi, for example: Pay more for fuel, Buy less gold, Travel less, Work differently, Spend cautiously, Save the economy.
Yet the same citizen asks a simple question – Will the burden ever be shared equally by politicians, governments, corporations, and the elite? The Indian “Aam Aadmi” has always shown resilience. He survives inflation, taxes, policy changes, and uncertainty with remarkable patience. But patience is not infinite. Economic discipline earns respect only when leadership also demonstrates visible sacrifice, transparency, and accountability.
Until then, these “7 Commandments” may continue to sound less like national policy and more like instructions directed only at the common man, the Aam Aadmi
(Satish Aparajit is a retired Wing Commander and Shaurya Chakra awardee.)
