Bhubaneswar, Nov 9: In a historic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared the demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes on Tuesday night. Initially, it’s a shock to common people as because most of them are not ready to face this sort of situation. On the Tuesday night itself, people rush to deposit their 500 and 100 rupees currency notes at different ATM counters. But, People of India have started absorbing the shock, because they know, it is good for the country. Today, in the twin city of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, People are seen discussing about the historic step of Modi Government. The common men’s opinion look very much positive as the feel, the government will track every single penny which is present in the form of black money in India. Also, People are hopeful that, the rising graph of fake currency will drop soon besides helping to reduce corruption in all spheres.
But, today it has tremendously affected the business of small traders, shop keepers, Malls and other businesses. One can find less number of people visiting the market place since today morning. Various shopping malls in the city are not accepting Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, but are only accepting card payments following which less sale has been recorded till now.
Footfall at the city’s Central Mall has also been less than the previous days. Till yesterday evening, the mall was crowded with shoppers while today, nothing of such sort has been observed.
Somya Ranjan Malik, a staff of the Central Mall said, “The new rule has affected the sale. However we are accepting card payment. For more three to four days we will only be accepting card payment and Rs 50 or Rs 100 currency notes from customers.”
Hardeek Chouhan, Assistant Manager of Metro Bazaar said, “As we are not accepting Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes due to the new government guidelines, people who are coming to the shop are retuning without any purchase. People with Rs 50 or Rs 100 currency notes are able to come and shop but compared with other days, today the sale has been very low.”
“This situation will persist for more two-three days”, Hardeek further stated.
The Jewelry shops have also been affected by this new guideline. Lalchand jeweler showroom was observed to be closed today.
Besides shopping malls, people are facing difficulties at petrol pumps. Even though government has announced that every retail petrol pump will accept Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes till November 11. But, they are asking the customers to take quantity of petrol or diesel against the currency note produced by the customers. If somebody is like to take petrol of 100 rupees and giving a currency of 500 rs, Pump owners are not accepting it. It gives pain to people, but for greater cause, they want to sacrifice for few days.
It seems like this situation in the city will last for more two-three days. As all ATMs have been closed down for November 9 and 10, those who are not having Rs 100 currency notes are facing difficulties.
Pradeep Sahu from Pokhariput said, “I presently do not have a lot of Rs 100 notes and in petrol pumps, they are not accepting Rs 500 notes. While purchasing something, the shopkeepers are also not accepting Rs 500 notes. As ATMs are closed for two days, it is difficult to get Rs 100 notes.”
“I went to a shop to purchase a dress for my daughter that was for Rs 500. However, as I just had Rs 500 currency notes and did not carry my ATM card that time, the seller refused and as one could only purchase using Rs 100 notes or by card payment.” Somanath Behera from Old town area said.
But, most of the people of all walks of life look praising PM Modi for such daring step and hopeful that, this can lead India towards a corruption-free country and also, this will teach a lesson to the people having black money.
