Hair cutting remains Rs.30 at Kpi

KANGPOKPI, May, 21: The agreement between the All Manipur Student Union and All Manipur Barbars' Association  over saloon charges has had no effect at Kangpokpi as the saloon charges have remained at Rs.30 at Kangpokpi and its surrounding areas upto Kanglatongbi.

Mentioned may be made that in a joint meeting with the All Manipur Student Union and the representatives of All Manipur Barbars' Association on April 20 last, the later agreed to charge the earlier rate.

The earlier rate of saloon charges are Rs.20 for hair cutting, Rs.10 for shaving, Rs.20 for special shaving, Rs.50 for hair dying, Rs.20 for Malish(Massage), Rs.40 for full body malish and Rs.40 for head shaving.

While speaking to IFP, the President of the Barbars' Association, Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi Sikander said, " We have no connection with the All Manipur Barbars' Association anymore. We have our own Association here now and we will deal and manage for the good of the Association and the general public."

"There are so many issues that this student body can take up for the welfare of the student community but why get involved in the matter over  saloon charges", asked Sikander.

Sikander further said that, with the prices of all commodities sky rocketing, barbers who earn their livelihood on a daily basis by cutting hair fend for their families with the money they earn.

Sikander further pointed out that earlier, the rate for sharpening of hair cutting scissor was Rs.25 but now it had reached Rs.50.

"Therefore charging Rs.30 for a single haircut is very much reasonable comparing to the sky rocketing of the all commodities", added Sikander while drawing the attention of the government and the AMSU to consider and revise their stand considering the sky rocketing commodities prices for the welfare of the barber community in the state.

Sikander added that with so many monetary demands from various UG groups, it was difficult to make do without increasing the rates.

"While we were members of AMBA, we gave Rs.5000/- annually to the Association against the monetary demand slammed by various  UGs.  Comparing to the hardships we faced while we associated with AMBA, we are better off now," he said.

Sikander further said that, the current rate for hair cuts will remain at Rs.30 in Kangpokpi until further orders even if the charges happen to change at Imphal and other places. If it is necessary to revised also, we will consult with the town committee and the youth union and will do the best for the welfare of the barber community and the general public, added Sikander.