Is it Demonetization or Sanitization of People in India?

This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant

November 8 the entire world was holding its breath on account of the U.S. Presidential election. The speculations for the next POTUS were on every tongue. Right then, another storm – DEMONETIZATION was brewing in India. To anyone sleeping or unaware otherwise, it was a joke of sorts. Who would have thought this joke would deprive them of their sleep. Not just those with malice, but the so-called common man who always bears the brunt.

The sudden decision of demonetization of 500/- and 1000/- currency notes in India was a hit on the head.

To many it was a fear that engulfed them. Why do you ask? Well, there were those who knew the ill sources of their money. Then there were those who simply saw it as bad luck. To come outright and claim that this step is a disaster would be wrong. Any step taken by a leader to curb the black money of this nation is worth a praise. No doubt, it takes extreme guts to come out and declare war against corruption, that too in India. For that, our respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi truly deserves a praise.

India - demonetization - paytm karo
Source: www.thelogicalindian.com

Moreover, why not? The new influx of money can certainly boost up the situation, if used correctly. We all know that is a big ‘if’. In this hour of need, we have to be patient and give time for the process to work out. No one can refuse to give them the benefit of doubt. All good things come in time.

However, a big question that needs an answer- is it that easy?

There is no doubt that we can stand in queues, but for how long? Whereas there are still those who break a queue and get the Royal treatment. How is this decision helping the common man who endures the most of every drastic decision? To anyone who thinks they have credit cards and online transactions, and they are the common man still at peace, I believe the definitions are changing. You are not the only part and not even a major part of this nation. The lower middle class, lower class, and those within and below poverty line are the ones truly at a loss.

India
Source: www.ibitimes.co.in

The world is singing the songs of paytm karo, and the government tells us to use our cards. Well, on whose forehead do I have to swipe my card to pay the milkman, the newspaperman, the garbage picker, and the maid? In a nation where people do not understand internet, you request them to survive on online transactions. They don’t know how to sign their own names, and you will give them cards? When you made India virtual, did you make it for them? Did you at least teach them? With government’s ‘Digital India’ came Jio, but there was hardly anyone from BPL, lower middle class in those lines. If that is the plan, then provide them smartphones, teach them the a-z of Internet transactions, and pay the monthly rent for internet cards.

There are people going around claiming everyone can survive and it is no big deal. Take off your glasses and look at the real world for a change. The ‘dihadi majdoor’ is without work; the farmers are losing income since the wholesale mandi market is plummeting. Those with no ID (Read pan card, aadhar card) cannot open an account, even if that is not a big number. Those residing in villages have one bank, and even they run out of cash. Then what logic exists behind such a statement? To catch hold of the 1%, the rest 99% have to suffer. We can still visit the stores and buy those vegetables and other daily necessities by swiping the card, but what about them?

India
Source: www.indiablooms.com

No doubt, a decision that affects billions needs more thought. For starters, in lieu of this decision, there should have been an influx of 100-rupee notes in the market to ease cash flow. The new 2000/- rupee note should have been tested in the ATM machines to see if it even fits. Better yet, the new 100/- and 500/- rupee notes should have been introduced first. Till a time as such when all the above is not implemented, any purchase amounting to 5000/- should be made acceptable. The government banks have permission to accept the old currency; the same should go for private and charitable hospitals. In the wake of so many deaths, it is a much-needed step.

The ruling party talks of ‘inconvenience’ and ‘sacrifices’, but fails to acknowledge the death tolls that inch closer to 50 day by day. Who is going to take care of a family of 5 children whose father died standing in line for 4 days? Is the Modi goverment willing to compensate all those families who lost their loved ones for the greater good? We are not crying because this is unclaimed money or black money. It is our HARD EARNED MONEY.

India
Source: www.mashable.com

The rich cannot sleep even after taking pills

Alas, if only it was true! The rich still fulfill their needs with their plastic money. It is the poor who stands in line for hours. Unlike those who sit in AC room and slay the employees, we are the ones who actually toil. Those people, who are getting their children married, are not using a robbed amount but their savings. What do you know about years of saving money, only to have it turned to dust? If you have no sympathy, at least spare the common person from this wretched mockery. We are still optimistic about a better future. We are still ready to wait. However, spare us from this pain. One should refrain from passing such a snide remark.

Look at the person who showers money for his daughter’s wedding that’s worth 500 crore. Certainly, it was not all ‘white‘ money. Whereas, the banquet hall owners, caterers are throwing money in our face. Reason being, currency has lost all its worth.

India
Source: www.mashable.com

The very fact that we question this decision does not indicate any ill will against it. The current situation has people calling criticism as anti-nationalism. Even worse? Speaking against Mr Modi is termed as being anti-national. With all due respect, he is a leader appointed by us, to serve us. He is not the crux of the nation itself.

It is in fact the very heart and soul of democracy to question its leaders. Otherwise, it is nothing but a step towards dictatorship. If that is what they will have the people do, it is a scary world ahead. We should all co-operate for sure. After all, Rome was not built in a day.