The Plight of Goans post Demonetization On March 14, I flew from Toronto- London-Goa due to some work and to exchange my note of Rs 500. I went to IOB in Corjuem and asked the bank manager if he can exchange. He said only SBI or RBI. I proceeded to Canara Bank Aldona. The manger was nice gentleman - he said “what is Rs 500 for an NRI?” My reply was when I was going to college my mom gave me Rs1 for fare 45p up and down and .10 paise for khaki cigarettes (Beedi) instead of tea so it holds value for me. Then I proceed to Dena Bank Aldona Branch and got the same reply. What amazed me is the plight of helpless account holders. The clerk does not speak Konkani, only Hindi and does not know English. The officer of the Bank only speaks Hindi and his English is hard to understand. I pity the old people and others who come to the bank as they are lost in translation. They must now resort to sign language. Can we not have Goan graduates to replace these clerks who are in employment because of our money? I remember in 1967 when Mr. De Mello came to our house personally to request my dad to open an account, which I have maintained to this day. I feel that account holders have been betrayed as they are made to run from one person to another so they can understand what these clerks are saying. I suggested to some that they do not need to go through this humiliation in order to withdraw your money. Transfer to other banks where they speak your language.
I then proceeded to SBI Mapusa NRI cell and asked them if they can change Rs 500 to the new one. The ladies there told me no, so I asked them who can. RBI Mumbai, they said. I retorted quickly: “Will SBI provide the fare?” Finding no answers, on March 23 I went to RBI Panjim located at Gera building next to IT. I was directed to a conference room where about 60 Goans were seated to be addressed by big manager of RBI. Some of them were shippies who after nine month voyage disembarked at Marmagoa and had lots of old notes to change. Some of them have come after one year and were holding cash in their cupboard. A lady from Ponda told me her sister-in-law has come after one year and she discovered she had Rs60000 in demonetized currency. The manager came and started addressing in Hindi and English. He went on for 5 minutes. I shouted I do not understand both the languages and I need somebody to tell me in Konkani, after which amild gentlemen came and spoke to me in konkani . He said in Konkani that we will not exchange notes here you should have come through Mumbai and changed it there as if he is paying the difference. The arrogance of RBI manager in dealing with the public not even giving offering solution is pathetic and frustrating. The discussion went on with the manager saying authoritatively that even if you sleep here your notes will not be exchanged. I shouted in konkani that I want my note to be exchanged before March 31 deadline given to NRI after this there was one lady and another 2 Konkani-speaking gentlemen came to confront me why I was not listening to the manager’s orders. My reply was I will not be leaving without my Rs 500 changed. One of the gentlemen told me he has 2 notes of Rs 500 and he has framed and kept them. I replied this is my hard-earned money and I want to get it exchanged. A gentleman with white stubble intimidated me saying I will call the police. My reply: “For what? Have I robbed? If anyone has robbed the people, it is Modi.” Another gentleman suggested that I go to CM. My answer: “A man resigned from DM and taking over CM of Goa turning defeat in victory with blessing of Governor cobbled a coalition through bribery, extortion, blackmail of elected traitors to the cause. He flew them to Delhi, paid 1000 cr in all, got all the GSB and formed a government. What is he going to care for the plight of Goans post-demonetization? His interest is to hold the chair. Case in point - Berger Lemdo Churchill was jailed but DK was not. Is it not GSB politics? All Goans must unite and defeat MP and VR in the bye election to show their place I know money will play big part but we must be vigilant. The arrogant RBI Manger and staff who were talking to Goans with authority showing that it is our fault of holding currency notes not Modi who overnight made them paper and looted their hard-earned money. One RBI Goan staff suggested to me that the case is in supreme court. He said to hold on the notes and they may be exchanged after the judgement. I told him by the time judgement comes I will be dead. I showed the RBI manager my passport and OCI card and told him to change my note. He refused. He could not believe that being a Canadian I do not understand English. I told him my language skills are not his problem since I am in Goa. I like to speak in mother tongue. I told him give me the address of the finance ministry official. His reply was we are not here to give photocopies and told me to take it from the notice board. Mr. Arun Jaitley is saying everything is normal. What about the plight of these hundreds of Goans who go to RBI Goa daily getting the same reply? Who is highlighting their plight? The so-called elected representatives of the people are least bothered and so is the media not giving any coverage for thousands of people who go to RBI daily to be told same answer – “Go to Mumbai.” The plight of Goans stuck with old notes of their earnings is not being highlighted by the Media or the NRI Commissioner or the elected MP made to fend for themselves. I would request Overseas supporters of BJP to help me change my note if possible in Canada or any one of those who welcomed Modi at Ricoh coliseum can get my note changed would prove that you guys really love Modi.
