Hi all, Here are the responses / updates to a few of the reactions and queries that we have received regarding Accessible Indian Currency. Feel free to add to the queries as well as the responses.
1. I wonder if the notes are such a big issue. You will not have this doubt if you have felt the new 50 and 200 rupee notes, Can you independently identify 1 and 2 rupee coins? We are heading towards a similar situation with increasing circulation of the new inaccessible notes. 2. I still can identify most notes. Think if you will be able to identify in future. RBI had plans to have all notes of same width. Also drastically reduce the length from 10mm to 4mm. Add to it the confusion due to coexistence of old and new notes. You cannot do much once they are circulated in large numbers. Can you? 3. Is it cost effective to propose withdrawal of notes that are already in circulation? We are not proposing to withdraw 500 and 2000-rupee notes, as they are already too many in circulation. We are proposing to withdraw the new 50 and 200 notes that are still few in circulation; the situation with these notes can still be controlled. We need to hold authorities accountable for the promise made to the committee comprising blind representatives by RBI that they will not reduce the size difference. Else, authorities will continue to take us for granted. 4. We do have two or three websites and apps meant for making transactions that are reasonably accessible. That’s less than 5% of the total options. We have often experienced websites and apps that were accessible suddenly become inaccessible with the introduction of new technology or upgrades. So how much can we really trust that the existing options will remain accessible forever? None of the Point of Sale machines and kiosks are accessible today. Having more accessible options will reduce our risk and it’s our right by law. 5. So many issues needs to be resolved. Somebody should take it up. We do sometimes complain and crib amongst ourselves, but expect somebody else to find a solution. We can resolve lot many issues with much lesser time if all of us raise and act together with a unified voice and in front of right people at the right time. Do you think you should also contribute now? 6. How many NGOs have supported this cause? We have reached out to over 40 NGOs. About 5 of them have informed us so far that they have sent the letters to the authorities and few more are in process. Please drop us a line if you are associated with any NGO and we will share the letters and relevant details, It takes just a few minutes to send the letters. 7. I believe in the issue and have also contributed. What’s the status? A. We have had one meeting with RBI on notes. Hoping for another meeting on digital currency in a few days. Post the start of our campaign, RBI Governor had made an announcement to come up with measures for senior citizens and PWD by end of October, Let’s see if they adhere to the time and more importantly if they include accessible currency. Still waiting for the response from Finance Ministry. B. We have around 4600 signatories on change.org petition, still far away from the targeted 20,000. 8. How can I contribute? a. Sign the petition on the below link. If you have already done, get your family and friends to do it. http://tinyurl.com/AICpetition B. Like the Accessible Indian Currency Facebook page to keep yourself updated. Keep sharing the articles and updates that are posted over there. http://tinyurl.com/facebookAIC C. Reach out to the local MP, MLA and media and ask them to highlight the issue. D. On an immediate basis, copy the below message and post it on your Facebook wall and share on WhatsApp groups you are a part of. If you have done it earlier, let’s do it again with the below new message. Repetition and reinforcement is critical for any campaign. The new Indian currency is making the lives of blind citizens difficult. We are trying hard to make Indian currency accessible for the blind and have sent a detail proposal to RBI Governor, Finance Minister and Prime Minister. Please support in strengthening our voice by signing this petition and sharing it on your Facebook wall. http://tinyurl.com/aicpetition Hoping for your continued contribution. Regards, Blind Graduates Forum of India. Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/BGFIFacebook Website: www.bgfi.in The list has now migrated to www.accessindia.inclusivehabitat.in You should now post to the id: [email protected] Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ To unsubscribe send a message to [email protected] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list..
