Dear Modi Ji,
Earlier, 57-year-old Noor Mohammed, a hawker in Murugeshpalaya, would roam the streets selling utensils and earn around Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000 a week. Of late, nobody has the money to pay him. “My utensils are the same, they are still good quality,” he says, “but nobody buys them as many don’t have the change.”
‘Nobody Has Change For High Denomination Notes’
Lalitha Raj, a shop owner in Thippasandra market, has a clear message for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Before bringing in the new Rs 2,000 notes, she says that the government should’ve ensured that the banks have enough Rs 100 notes.
“Nobody is giving us the change,” she complains, and thus “even the small shops are shut.”
‘Accessibility Still A Huge Issue For the Disabled’
Despite initiatives being launched all across the nation to make public areas and institutions more accessible for individuals with disabilities, there is still a long way to go.
Thirty-year-old Revathy is physically challenged and uses crutches. She is thankful to people who helped her out at the bank, but she says that many of her physically-challenged friends have still not been able to deposit or withdraw money.
‘Forced To Buy Ration For Rs 500 or Rs 1,000’
Thirty-year-old construction worker, Bholaram, says that he only receives money for food from his contractor. The other issue is buying groceries as they are often forced to purchase goods for Rs 500 or Rs 1,000, as shopkeepers refuse to give change.
“This decision may help the rich,” he says, but “for the poor, it has become very difficult.”
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