The timing of the scrapping of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes caught them by surprise, and they are angry that they did not have enough time to prepare for this contingency.
But many ordinary shopkeepers say this is a necessary step to combat black money.
Some were hopeful that an end to black money will finally lead them to buy their own house. Brokerage firm IDFC has projected that the decision will lead to a much needed price correction in the real estate market.
There were also those who were fearful about when they will get to withdraw their money for trade purposes. The government says new currency notes will be in ATMs from Friday.
The Quint also spoke to some watchmen in Chennai, hailing from Nepal, who shared their views on the demonetisation.
While the government claims this is the biggest step towards curbing black money, these ordinary citizens rebutted that saying similar steps had been taken in 1946 and 1978 without leading to anything concrete. Many are sceptical about how demonetisation of this sort can bring the black money stashed in Swiss banks, back home? Does this measure leave the big fish out, they wonder.
(With inputs from Isha Purkayastha and Vikram Venkateswaran)
Video Editor: Ashutosh Bhardwaj
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