BENGALURU: Students and singles living in the city were among the people who suffered the most due to the demonetisation of the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. With classes and office hours being around the same time as the bank’s working hours, it became even more difficult for them to visit the banks.
“None of the shops are accepting the Rs 500 notes. Students who are away from home are even unable to meet basic requirements like food,” Mitul Joseph, a Christ University student, said.
Anand Kumar, a student from Kengeri, has been facing the same problem. “I ran out of cash on Wednesday night. The big problem I have been facing is getting food. Online food delivery is not an affordable option for students.”
“Luckily for us, our regular eatery is accepting the old currencies,” said Arjun P, a bachelor living in Koramangala, adding, “So my friends and I have been going there twice a day.”
Eateries get customer-friendly
Some eateries have introduced special schemes for their regular customers. “Most of my regular customers are students and bachelors. So, we have given them the option of paying us with their old Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 notes. They can eat from the balance amount later. Also, if they don’t have money, they can pay later,” said Prassan, owner of Amutha Mess in Taverekere.
However, many small-scale eateries have taken a hit. “Since Wednesday morning, we have not been accepting the invalid currency. As a result, our business is suffering,” said Latheef, the owner of an eatery in Shivajinagar.