Bazaar Road is one of Bandra’s oldest markets roads, the dying culture of ‘bazaars’ still living, breathing, thriving in its tiny lanes, complete with pineapple peelers, lime sellers, raddiwallahs, electricians, tailors – pretty much everything you need. Its spine is the free flow of cash, and with the latest move to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, life is surely affected in this multicultural community where each transaction averages Rs 50-100, at most.
The Quint puts its ear to the ground, as we stroll down the narrow lanes, chatting with locals and finding out what they think about Prime Minister Modi's move. Most shops saw no customers, while the few that did were engaged in the problem of obtaining cash. While several decades-old businesses are close to shutting down, many are ready to grin and bear it if it means India wins in the end.
“They should have taken out the new 500 note first, then 2,000. That way we’d have change, this would be easier.” - Jitendra, 54
“I'm a small tailor. Used to make 200 a day, now I make 50. If I go to the bank, I won't make 50 also. No one cares, do they?" - Bablu, 40+
“The shop's been here since 1926 and it’s the first time I'm feeling helpless. People don't have cash and those who do come with the 2,000 note." - Fakruddin, 70
“I haven't made a single rupee since the 9th. Two more days, and I'm closing this down. I've been here 25 years but I'll have to shut shop.” - Mansoor, 52
“He just came with Rs 2,000 to buy onions. Where is the change? I don't care though, if I earn less, or don't earn. It’s for India’s good.” - Srujan, 41
“We don't have a choice in India. We do what the government says. It's a democracy, but we don't really have a choice. My earnings have reduced by 50%. Whether this is a good move depends on whether inflation comes down. There's no point debating.” - Moiz, 36
"I used to make Rs 500 a day. I’ve made that much since 10th. But it’s for the good of the country, so I'll accept it." - Bajrang, 43
"I went to the bank, stood for 5 hours, withdrew Rs 20,000 and didn't get a single Rs 100 note. It's tough, but I’ll do it for my country. Customers come to pick up clothes without money, I don't give them except for regulars, get no cash.” - Bipin, 52
“I am the only one who earns in my family of 5. My earnings have halved, I don’t have time to exchange my savings. Where does that leave me?”
"Hardly 5 ppl come to buy vegetables all day, & w/ with Rs 2000 notes. Where should I get change from?" - Meena, 80+, 1 of 2 bread-earners
“I used to average Rs 400 by this hour. For the last week, I’ve averaged Rs 50-60. I have a family of 6, no bank account. It’s hopeless." - Masoom Ali, 77
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)