Currency Ban: Bank Employees the Unsung Heroes Amid the Chaos

The challenges of a small segment of the population, the bank employees, have been seemingly ignored and sidelined.

A bank official asks people to wait patiently in queues outside a bank in New Delhi. (Photo: AP)

The demonetisation move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi caught the nation off-guard. The discontinuation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to fight the perennial problem of black money and corruption plaguing India made everyone wonder what would follow.

Naturally, the week saw heated debates over the move, detailed analyses and extrapolation of what to expect in the near future, and of course, the serpentine queues at banks and ATMs. This “surgical strike” on black money has seen mixed responses over the week.

While a portion of the population welcomed and supported this bold step, there were some who, citing the woes of the common man as one of the reasons, condemned the shift in economic policy.

Bank Staff Focusing on Easing Public’s Woes

However, amidst all the strategies to tackle the “problem” at hand and the ensuing chaos, the challenges of a small segment of the population, the bank employees, were seemingly ignored and sidelined.

Bank officials across the nation are doing their best to make the transition as smooth as possible. Right from the very first day after the announcement, they have been putting in extra hours every day for dealing with the public.

People’s perception of the whole situation seems to be limited to the chaos and queues outside the banks. Sadly, it is also limited to just the ten to twelve hours when banks have been dealing with the public.

An Indian shopkeeper counts notes at his shop. (Photo: Reuters)

Considering that banks have the responsibility of protecting and securing the money, it goes without saying that exercising due diligence and keeping protocols intact is something that cannot be compromised.

The employees need to cross-check and wrap up every single transaction in the dealings of that day before calling it a day.

These new soldiers are not only working overtime, but are sacrificing their weekends and holidays, family time and sleep. The ease of the general public has become the centre of their lives.

Citizens Must Aid the Process

It is understandable that standing in queues after setting aside our routine chores and braving the pollution and heat is a hassle for us. However, venting out of aggression and showing no respect and consideration for the people who are trying the very best they can, is something that can and should be avoided.

The current situation will continue for the next few days. Smooth and gradual phasing out of the chaos is something that is in our hands.

As responsible citizens of a democratic India, it is our responsibility to come together as one unit, without playing the blame game, and support the government in this heroic attempt to rid the country of money laundering and its far-reaching impact.

All of us are in the same situation. We need to have patience and aid the process in every way possible.

The government’s motivation behind this move was never about targetting just a certain group of people who are a part of the black money muck. Instead, the aim has been to rid the nation of such economic distress and thereby protect individuals at large.

To criticise the efficiency of the officials working behind the scenes would be like standing in the way of our own country's growth story. Hence, respecting and appreciating the tireless efforts of the bank official in front of us may be a small contribution from our end towards the larger goal.

(The author is a post-graduate in economics from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom, and is currently working with Grail Research as an analyst. This is a personal blog and the views expressed above are the author's own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.)