Madikeri: Grocers and businessmen have been stung hard after Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes were scrapped on November 8 by the Union Government. In most cases, they are struggling to give balance amount after sale in exchange for every Rs 2000 note.
People in the small hill district are crushed by the sudden decision of the Union government. Coffee growers are finding it very difficult to distribute weekly salaries in cash where as laborers are finding difficulty in buying items for daily needs, in case they possess Rs 2000 notes. Everyone seems to be struggling in one way or the other.
Crowded weekly fairs are running empty without the usual buzz. Business and trading has hit rock bottom and all businessmen are busy chalking out strategies to counter the situation arising out of note ban.
Despite all this, meat stalls in Suntikoppa Sunday fair were seen doing brisk business. To attract customers, meat stall owners were seen selling their meat products at discounted prices. Prices of chicken dropped from Rs 140 per kg to Rs 90 per kg with a whopping discount of 55 per cent, where as Mutton prices varied between Rs 320 and Rs 340, around 20 per cent less than normal price.
People were seen flocking meat stalls. Some customers were of the view that prices of chicken dropped due to avian flu and to safeguard the poultry industry.
Others were seen happily buying without digging into reasons for price fall and wished the discounted prices ruled for a longer period.
In the end, tasty curries rolled out of kitchens to beat the winter in the hilly district. It appeared, none were worried about the loss or gain, but were relieved of pain on a ‘fair Sunday’!
