Recently, I decided to take a round around the city of Panjim just to ascertain the veracity of central government’s statement before the SC that the currency situation, in the country, is under control and urging the Apex Court to take a round around during lunch break to have a look at the Delhi ATMs and the banks.
I visited around 16 ATMs in the Panjim city and was surprised to find 11 of the cash dispensing kiosks’ shutters were pulled down or notice boards were displayed sounding non availability of cash or the digital message appeared on the monitor displaying temporary suspension of the service. The balance five machines dispensed just one currency note of Rs 2000 per ATM card holder. I uploaded on the spot images all the 16 ATMs on my Facebook so that public knows the reality.
Rightfully, there was a complete reluctance to withdraw the high denomination notes as public had realised that those notes could not be used to buy anything or to pay for any service, due to non availability of Rs 500 and lower denomination notes with the traders or the service providers, for exchange of the balance amount. Interestingly, Rs 2000 notes seem to have become deemed illegal tender too, that no one is interested to possess. Public visiting the ATM kiosks simply grumble and go away without money withdrawals and with worried tones. Tourists express undesired distrusts and are distressed.
The situation is still grim that even after several days of draconian announcement by Modi of his celebrated economic Surgical Strike against the 125 crore citizens, the currency crises still continues with the same gravity. It is more surprising that this action of Modi is still being celebrated, by many of his loyalties, irrespective of the fact that his hasty decision of demonetisation has taken over 65 citizens’ lives for not being able to use their own hard earned money for their own survival.
Unimaginable crises have been created due to carelessness and improper home work. In case the currency stalemate continues too long, malice of heavy tolls on public life and property may happen.
With due introspection, Modi needs to shed his ego and habits of unfavourable public decisions and realise that India is a Democracy with world class Constitutional Laws, to abide by.
