Fighting Inflation Together

A people’s stand against high prices—challenging trader monopolies, protecting livelihoods, ensuring every essential item remains affordable for all rural families.

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Public Initiative to Rein in Market Forces

In Bhim, Rajasthan, the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) launched community-run Kirana (grocery) shops in the early 1990s to protect poor families from rising prices and exploitative traders. These shops, built on fairness and transparency, sold essential goods at very low profit margins — as little as 1%. Their presence forced local markets to reduce prices, allowing villagers to save more of their income. Local traders initially resisted, but even they later admitted the better quality and affordability provided by the MKSS shops. The initiative proved that when citizens unite and operate with honesty, they can create alternatives that promote justice and economic dignity.

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Fighting Inflation at the Grassroots

Mazdoor Kisan Kirana Stores in Rajsamand district are an inspiring example of how local action can defend people against price rise. Launched by MKSS, the stores were designed to break the monopoly of traders who earned high profits by selling daily items at inflated rates. MKSS members raised small contributions and took interest-free loans from supporters to start the venture. The strategy focused on fair pricing, transparency, and quality checking. MKSS volunteers checked measures, weights, and the purity of food items before selling them. This built trust among customers, many of whom had faced cheating earlier. As news spread about lower prices, more people began purchasing from the MKSS store, and gradually, private traders were forced to reduce their rates in order to survive. The experiment also helped local youth gain experience in retail operations and community leadership. Traders tried multiple tactics to shut the stores down, including threats and spreading rumors, but they failed due to strong public support. Eventually, MKSS expanded the model to other rural markets. This effort highlighted that inflation is not only an economic issue—it is deeply connected to accountability and people’s rights. The Kirana Store showed that community unity can control markets and protect livelihoods.

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A Shop Fighting Against Inflation

In a small township in Rajsamand, villagers found it difficult to afford essential goods due to rising prices and the control of local traders. To challenge this exploitation, MKSS volunteers opened a Kirana Shop selling basic items at a reasonable rate. This gave people immediate relief and reduced the dependency on high-profit retailers. The shop was operated honestly by MKSS activists who carefully maintained quality. They ensured correct weights, pure spices, and clean packing—something often ignored by private shops. People who earlier walked long distances to buy cheaper goods now found affordable options in their own village. Many customers said this shop allowed them to save a significant part of their income. The initiative also played a critical educational role. It taught villagers how markets work and why transparency matters. Private traders, feeling threatened, tried to influence customers and close the shop. But the villagers stood firmly with MKSS because they saw real benefits. This fight against inflation became a symbol of dignity and economic justice. The story proves that when people come together and challenge unfair systems, they can bring powerful change. It is a true grassroots solution that keeps democracy alive in everyday life.