With the waves of demonetisation sweeping the whole nation by storm, Mangaluru is no exception to its after effects. Though there is a cut down in the ATM and bank queues, the cries of the small vendors and daily wagers in soup are going unheard. Deprived of basic amenities to carry on with their life, some of them are holding their breath with a hope that Acche Din might manifest in the next 50 days.
Newskarnataka.com conducted a survey to collect the opinion of the small vendors and daily wagers in Mangaluru and the views are divided. There are blames, there are appreciations; there is support and there is criticism too.
Speaking to Newskarnataka.com, the fishermen community poured out their grievances saying, “There was a huge cut down on the fish sales, as people got Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes to buy fish. Later, as Rs. 2000 currency came in, we had to struggle to get the change.” Another monger stated, “We managed to give fish as long we had sufficient change but later we were forced to give fish on credit!”
Mohan Bengere, a boat owner said, “This is a very good move from a larger perspective but the labourers are struggling for their daily wages. They don’t have bank accounts and they don’t have the patience to stand in line for the cheque to be cleared and then buy things for daily bread. The auction process has been affected as the people give old notes for the auction and when they are not accepted, the people leave the auction and go. Nearly 40 percent of the boats have stopped fishing.”
Another boat owner said, “In the long run this move could be very effective though there are problems now. We don’t use ATM cards and online payment in our business and this has affected us”.
Ibrahim, a wholesale arecanut dealer said, “The sales have dropped and the demand is cut down by 30 percent. People are bringing arecanuts for sale but as the old higher denomination notes are invalid they don’t accept them and hence the drop in sales.” Another merchant said, “Though the sales are gradually picking up it needs a long time for things to get back to normal. The main strugglers are the daily wage labourers”.
Contrary to complaints so far, vegetable vendor Ashok at Central Market said, “I deposit my daily earnings in my bank account and there has not been any problem in my daily transactions”. A fruit vendor said, “As we don’t accept old notes the sales have dropped. The fruits are getting spoilt and we have to bear the loss.” Basha says, “This demonetisation is definitely an issue. There is nothing against the party or any leader. The idea is good but contingency measures should have been planned in advance.”
A tender coconut seller said, “The whole day we stand in the hot sun; sweat and wait but at the end of the day we suffer. This demonetisation has brought starvation on my kind.”
As Newskarnataka.com explored into the opinions in Mangaluru, the least affected business seemed to be that of alcohol. Every bar, liquor shop are filled at the end of the day. Leeds Wine Centre says, “There is no negative effect on liquor shops and the business is good.” However, Mangala Bar and Restaurant highlighted its problem saying, “There is no enough change and the business has dropped. There is hope that the things will change by the end of fifty days.”
Shree Kamalakshi Jewellers, supporting the note ban said, “The intention behind the note ban is good and there is no loss faced. We being small dealers, the customers are expected to flock the smaller shops than showrooms.” Countering this statement, another jewellery shop owner said, “The gold owning limit will hugely effect the market”.
Shagris Consultancy Agency quoted, “This is a good decision by the government to curb black money and we are in support of this move.”
Mayor Harinath speaking to Newskarnataka.com said, “Note ban was important. Intention is good but the way it is being implemented has put common man’s life in trouble. The middle class, the poor are the worst affected. What a coolie will do if we give him a cheque of Rs 500? They are speaking about online banking and cashless business. I have seen Moodshedde rural area where people do not have any knowledge of online banking or even ration card. They do not even have the BPL cards there. They are speaking about making India, Singapore. With these issues it’s not possible.”
“The builders, contractors, engineers are not able to pay wages to the workers. It is sad that we are not able to withdraw our own hard-earned money or white money. They have restricted us in withdrawals also. They should have kept alternative solution to avoid the negative impacts of demonetisation. Who will oppose if it is for nation’s wellbeing by curbing black money and corruption through note ban? This is an example of administrative failure”, he continued. “Due to demonetisation, MCC tax collection has improved though”, mayor highlighted.
Dictatorship and Democracy!
Food and Civil Supplies Minister U T Khader, speaking to Newskarnataka.com said, “This is a good initiative and it is welcomed by the people. Mangaloreans have adjusted and supported this good cause. The effect that is seen is mainly among daily wagers. These people are suffering now. The government should have planned an alternative and then executed it. There is a difference between dictatorship and democracy. The government should have asked and discussed with the people before taking the step. The very basic ration cards have not completely reached the people. How will you expect to establish a cashless economy? Daily wagers depend on cash economy and changing that is not such an easy task.”
“The able are in lines to exchange their money. What about the daily wage labourers? If they don’t get their wages where do they go to get their food? But at the given situation, Mangaloreans are hoping for a better future” he continued.
The views may be diverse in Mangaluru but there is an obvious impact on the local vendors and the daily wagers. Dangling by uncertainty, Mangaluru still hopes for Acche Din.
Watch video
