Ernakulam, Nov 16 (The Indian Express) : With the PM’s demonetisation announcement that sent shock ripples throughout the country, people have been running amok wanting to exchange the older currency with the new in-circulation Rs 2,000, or better yet a whole bunch of Rs 100 notes. Others have been waiting in long queues, starting from the wee hours of the morning till late night.

In Kerala, however, a church has come to help the lesser privileged people in an unusual way. St Martin De Porres church in Ernakulam district in Kerala announced that it would give money out of their offertory box to people who are in dire need of the money, and expect nothing in return.

The announcement was made during a recent Sunday mass and is being lauded by many as a generous act, just in time to help people who do not have access to ATMs or even have bank accounts.

The church priest Fr Jimmy Poochakkad told that people were allowed to take money from the boxes and they can choose to give it back later, after the current crisis is over. The donation boxes were opened at 6am and closed only in the evening, on November 13.

Reportedly, about 200 families availed the offer. “There were many Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in the boxes, but these were left untouched. Smaller denomination currency notes were the ones taken. Though no limit was prescribed, none was seen grabbing at the money. All of them came and took according to their needs in an admirably disciplined manner,” Fr Poochakkad had said.

Though the government has assured the move is to curb corruption, black money hoarding and other illegal activities, many common people are stranded and helpless across the country, with no money or access to ATMs to pay hospital bills or buy other basic necessities.
At such times, news like this come as a whiff of fresh air!