Bhubaneswar: With most ATMs in the city out of cash or only dispensing the new `2000 notes, the denizens and shopkeepers are facing a severe cash crunch.
Significantly, markets which used to be chock-a-block with shoppers on weekends, are struggling to get customers even as it is the peak wedding season.
“Normally, we get good sales on weekends. But it is below average now. If the situation continues we will incur heavy losses,” said Surendra Sahu, a retail shopkeeper in Rasulgarh.
Fruit sellers in Unit I market who reported a sale of around `1 lakh last month have been compelled to reduce their staff strength after demonetisation.
“Currently, there are not enough smaller denominations notes and people are buying only essential items. Last month I had two staffs, but due to drop in sale I have sent them on leave,” said Abhaya Sahu, a fruit stall owner in Unit I market.
Even though it is a wedding season, traditional horse cart drivers are sitting idle without much business.
“We earn handsomely during wedding season. But this week I have not got even a single customer. Last week I got one and he gave the entire amount in banned notes. I had to spend around two hours at the bank to exchange and deposit them. If this persists, I will have to look for another job,” said wedding cart owner Yusaf Ali.
Demonetisation has also affected sale of winter clothes and some shopkeepers who had planned to introduce e-wallets have decided against it as they do not trust the digital mode.
Maksud Alam, a readymade clothe shopkeeper at Unit II market, wants Centre to have laws to ensure that e-wallet companies will repay the money within a specific time in case of disputes.
Moreover, lack of `500 and `100 notes means people are unwilling to give change for the `2000 notes. Those who have withdrawn the `2000 notes are lamenting it as shopkeepers are not accepting them due to shortage of lower denomination notes.
“I got `2000 notes from the SBI ATM at Laxmisagar branch on Cuttack road after checking five other machines. Now how will I buy vegetables and essential items in small quantities?” asked marketing professional Sudhansu Sekhar Barik.
Jose K Joseph
Post News Network
