ATMs running out of cash

This refers to the report ‘ATMs across the country start running dry’ (April 18). It looks an unannounced demonetisation has kicked in with ATMs going dry in several States. Interestingly, this cash crunch seems to have caught unawares the government as well as the masses, leaving us people wondering about who controls the cash flow in India.

The current state of shaken confidence in banking has been blamed for the cash crunch. Banks penalise account-holders when their balance falls below a certain limit, should the banks not be penalised now when customers are being inconvenienced in spite of having sufficient money in their accounts?

Strangely, the crisis has erupted when Prime Minister Modi is on a foreign tour and so is the RBI Governor. Needless to say the Modi government could have done without this embarrassing situation. As if the bank frauds were not enough, now the BJP government is not even able to run the banking system properly.

However much the Centre downplays its impact, the development is really painful, causing severe hardship to the common people. Though it is stated to be triggered by the ‘advent of the marriage and procurement’ season, it is likely to have been caused by the ‘uneven distribution’ of currencies by the RBI, and the occurrence across the country should call for a study. In this context, it is also relevant to state that availability of currencies, especially of lower denominations, does need attention and quick action to set right the shortages.

Coimbatore

This refers to your editorial ‘Monsoon blues’ (April 18). The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting the south-west monsoon is expected to be normal in 2018 is great news. A good monsoon means better farm output, which in turn boost the economy, mitigating the sufferings of farmers and enabling them to get back the money invested for buying seeds, fertilisers, payment of wages to labourers and, of course, get profit commensurate with their toiling in the lands, braving the oppressive heat.

Bengaluru

Another World Heritage Day has come and gone. But what is heartening is that unlike in the past, the public has displayed an increased awareness and understanding to connect with heritage and come out strongly against official apathy. Heritage goes beyond just monuments, architecture and buildings and includes trees, literature, crafts, culture and traditions, cuisine, photographs and paintings. It is heartening that several organisations all over the country have come forward to conduct heritage expositions and showcase our rich culture and past glory and grandeur. The government could look at enhancing the entry fees charged to foreign visitors who come here for the sights, substantially, and the revenue earned in this manner could go towards funding the maintenance, repair and restoration costs of these age-old wonders.

Bengaluru

None can deny that PM Narendra Modi is today recognised as a statesman of global status, thanks to his tireless efforts in building bilateral ties across the globe with countries which belong to diametrically opposite ideological and other leanings. But dilly-dallying on the critical issue of appointment of Lokpal, the anti-corruption Ombudsman by the Modi dispensation, has severely disappointed the man on the street who voted for Modi with great expectations about the eradication of corruption at top echelons of power.

While credit must go to Modi government for providing a clean and blemish-free administration for past four years, the PM must also show similar statesmanship on this important domestic issue and take personal initiative in appointing a Lokpal, with even the PMO coming within its ambit, and, thereby, consolidate his credibility with the voter.

Belagavi

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