Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Nov 20: Two unexpected developments of November 8 stumped the world beyond imagination. For those Indians who were keenly awaiting US presidential election results with bated breath cursed Narendra Modi’s when he silently walked in and disturbed their concentration. Modi addressed the nation on television to make that dramatic announcement on demonetization and stole the thunder. Those who were irked initially with Modi’s sudden ‘intrusion’ woke up to the reality when Modi announced at 8 pm in a television address that day to tell that Rs 500 and Rs. 1000 notes will not be legal tender any more. The masterstroke shook Indian masses out of their slumber and sent in a wave of panic people began running to the nearest ATM’s and jewellery stores to convert black money into white. Panic, confusion and chaos has followed since then. Just like Americans who are still in perplexity unable to accept Trump’s victory, most Indians are still grappling to come to terms with the situation arising out of demonetization.

It has been 12 days since Modi government announced the masterstroke of demonetization and though the initial chaos and confusion has eased to some extent due to a series of measures by the government, the administrative measures initiated to deal with the crisis, have fallen terribly short. There is still a lot of uncertainty and it has created untold hardships to all sections of society especially to the poor. India had demonetization in 1946 and 1978 and as such for most Indians, especially the younger generation the very word demonetization and its consequences were beyond imagination. Like the word ‘surgical strike’ which became a catchphrase following the retaliatory response of India to Uri attack, the word ‘demonetization’ will surely etch in public memory having felt the real impact of it.

Common Man not failed by demonetization

Let us now come to the basics. Since demonetization the nation has witnessed an array of emotions - from high pitched accusations to filthy abuses and fabricated untruths, depending on how it affected individuals and political parties. The media did help in its own way trying to disseminate correct information about demonetization. It also highlighted the woes faced by people all these days and in some instances there were attempts to sensationalise common man’s hardships. Long and serpentine queues in banks and in front of ATM’s, shortage of cash in banks and ATM’s, altercations in banks by citizens, non-cooperation by bank staff in some places, non availability of new 500 and 1000 rupee notes, difficulty in getting required change for the new 2000 rupee note, hospitals refusing to accept old notes, non-functioning ATM’s, death of people waiting in queues waiting in banks/ATM’s, woes of those having functions like marriages - were some of the daily highlights in most media. (The government now need to investigate how Janardhana Reddy could carry on with his Rs 500 crore extravaganza wedding of his daughter). Common people also had to deal with the misinformation campaign let loose on social media by disgruntled elements and all those who were affected by everything black. In reality, prevailing mood indicates that the common man has nothing to lose and has welcomed it as a good move by the Modi government. Only those who had bundles and bundles of black money were panicky, frustrated and angry and they vented the anger on the government. This is what even the government expected and wanted.

The middle class was equally confused as well. With 500 and 1000 rupees notes accounting for 85% of the total currency in circulation in our country, demonetization is sure to affect every individual in the country. Those who initially welcomed it as a gutsy move began to question the decision of the government as days passed when they got exasperated standing in queues and being cash-strapped. It was then the politicians stepped in having sensed an opportunity to exploit and instead of evaluating the move on its merit have been critical of the government’s move. Suddenly our politicians have developed extraordinary love and concern for the common man. Even those parties who were staunch critics of corruption earlier have been the most vocal opponents of demonetization even though the move is aimed at curbing black money. Even those individuals who had earlier spoken fervently against widespread corruption and black money began to find fault with this decision of the government.

It cannot be denied that the administrative machinery fell short in its preparedness to face the situation. Compared to rest of the country the situation in this coastal region is much better because we have banks and ATM’s at every furlong. There could have been little more planning in the implementation aspect which could have gone a long way in reducing the inconvenience caused. Separate arrangements should have been made for senior citizens and specially challenged people in the banks. The RBI should have ensured adequate supply new 500 and 1000 rupee notes ready to deal with the demand. Though the government claims it has released them till this day new 500 and 2000 rupee notes are not available even in banks in Mangalore. Mobile banks should have been pressed into service within two days to help farmers and rural households to tide over the crisis. Of course, it cannot be denied that the government had to work under certain limitations. There was no way the government could make foolproof arrangements considering that maintaining utmost secrecy was the need of the hour. Recalibrating ATM’s in advance would have given rise suspicion and the entire move would have become an exercise in futility.

Accusation of Selective Leakage

In this age of social media rumours and half truths spread faster than fire or we can say facts. Some politicians were in the frontline accusing the government of selectively leaking the information to big business houses. Let us not name any business house but evaluate whether such a claim is a possibility. Such accusations without proof are commonplace in our democratic system and therefore it is for the people to remain sceptical and exercise their judiciousness before coming to a sudden conclusion. May be accusing the government on this count was the only the panic button which affected people could use unless they come up with evidence to support their claims. .

Moreover, considering the impact of this move on the economy, Modi government would not have gambled with such a move of selectively leaking information because it would lead its entire effort redundant. Modi would have not have taken the risk of such a suicidal move considering that his every move and every word he utters is under radar. If at all he has done it and if the opponents are able to produce real proof (not fabricated) then Modi and his government would lose their credibility once and for all. Till then give the government the benefit of doubt and let us wait and support the government in its effort to cleanse corruption and black money.

It is an opportunity for the common people to have the last laugh and see the discomfiture of those who have been playing havoc with our country’s security and economy through black money. No doubt, demonetization is a short term pain and we can expect good gains for all the long run.