'I want the prices of food grains to fall'

Jay Amar Helia works with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's conservancy department as a contract labourer. Needless to add that he finds its difficult to make ends meet for his family's financial needs.

The least he expects from the central government during this year's Union Budget -- to be announced on February 26 -- is to bring down the cost of basic commodities like sugar, dals and pulses. With about a monthly salary of Rs 10,000 he has to support a family of 15 people.

"If the prices of these essentials drop down we can concentrate on providing a decent life to our families. He proudly proclaims that both his kids study in a convent school but finds it difficult to spend Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 every month on their schooling.

Like others, he too expects the prices of food grains, cooking gas, train and bus tickets to come down.