The NEET Lesson for Ethanol: Why Polite Citizens Shouldn't Have to Shout to Be Heard

Satirist Kamlesh Singh reflects on governance and citizen response through the lens of recent student agitations and the quiet burden faced by ordinary car and bike owners at petrol pumps.

Key Highlights:
- Power of Protests: Drawing from recent youth movements and historical agitations like the farmers' protests, the article argues that the government often listens only when pressure mounts, leading to swift policy shifts.
- The Ethanol Dilemma: While acknowledging the strategic necessity of ethanol blending for energy security and reducing import bills, the author criticizes the rushed implementation of E20 fuel without adequate preparation for older vehicular engines.
- The 'Polite Citizen's' Plight: Unlike organized protesters who can generate massive digital or street traction, everyday working citizens absorb the hidden costs of lower mileage and potential engine wear without an immediate platform to voice grievances.