In the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes will no longer be legal tender, the rich and poor alike have had many a concern. The New Indian Express conducted a social media survey to understand the pulse of the common man who is bound to be affected by the demonetisation. From problems faced in getting a medical check-up to daily trading woes in rural areas, here are a few raging concerns raised by the aam aadmi of the country.
While some feel that this is a welcome step by the government to eradicate black money and corruption, some others argued about the feasibility and the need for such a drastic measure.
Out of the many who responded to our survey, one Facebook user lamented about the problem faced by village folk in Kerala who sell perishables and live on commission, who might not have a bank account, let alone access to a bank to exchange their daily wages.
Another social media user narrates her diabetic uncle and aunt’s experience of visiting a hospital to get their regular medical check-up but turned away for lack of 100-rupee notes. The user, not naming the hospital, says the medical centre was neither ready to accept cards from outpatients nor take Rs 500 or Rs 1000 notes, also questioning how Rs 4,000 suffice for medical bills.
The frustration faced by the common man and woman doesn’t stop here.
An old woman living with her son in Kolkata — neither of them young nor hale and healthy — requiring medical attention, tired themselves out having to stand in serpentine queues outside banks to withdraw some cash, another Facebook user recounts of her poor old uncle and granny’s ordeal.
And if you thought it was only locals who would face trouble due to demonetisation, an NRI who carried with him Indian currency worth Rs 15,000 in Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes for contingencies, especially payment of duty or fee for excess baggage if required, worried how he would exchange the currency notes when he comes back in a year, as the deadline for the exchange of notes in December 30.
What’s more, several people complained that banks were not giving them even the prescribed amount of change and that they were being turned away with just Rs 2,000 after waiting for hours in queue.
If you are one of those affected by demonetisation, send your responses as a comment on this article or comment on Facebook.
Or reply on this Twitter thread: http://bit.ly/2fIpHRT, or use #TNIECash to send your responses.