One ATM and a line of almost hundred people, well remembering the winters of 2016 is certainly not a fun affair for most of the Indians. With demonetisation, came the horror of midnight visits to ATMs just to avoid the midday crowd. On top of that, facing the pangs of despair with empty ATMs all around was another story.
With news of ‘dry’ ATMs from all across the country, Indians are harboring the fear and remembering the painful days when India took its first step towards “cashless” economy. News of nonfunctional or dry ATMs from around the country is making life harder for the public. There is huge cash crunch all around the country.
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addressed the issue by saying that it’s a ‘temporary’ issue caused by ‘sudden and unusual increase’ of cash withdrawal in some of the areas.
Have reviewed the currency situation in the country. Over all there is more than adequate currency in circulation and also available with the Banks. The temporary shortage caused by ‘sudden and unusual increase’ in some areas is being tackled quickly.
— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) 17 April 2018
Following the tweet, Tweeple couldn’t keep their cool anymore. Many started tweeting on this issue and pointing the uncanny similarity of the situation with demonetisation, even if in lesser intensity. Some even indulged in chuckle-worthy jokes. Here are the tweets:
Today I have visited doctor clinic, while making payment I tried to pay via Debit card but not able to pay as their is some issue with network, same moment try to get some money from ATM,but those are also cashless.Are we on right track for digital india?#CashCrunch @narendramodi
— Vivek Pant (@pantvivek28) 17 April 2018
Dear,
Finance Minister, @arunjaitley
Or Prime Minister of India @narendramodi“Cashless_Economy” does not mean “Cashless_Banks” and “Cashless ATMs”
I hope you understand….🙏🙏#CashCrunch #CashlessATMs#CashCrunchFaceoff pic.twitter.com/6eRmzURP72
— Somvir Singh (@somvirsingh93) 17 April 2018
Cash Crunch Realty check
One of the most busiest place Paharganj – ICICI ATM now allowing withdrawal more than 4000, PNB all 2 ATMs have no cash, Bank of Baroda has No cash. Kotak & Bank of India dispensing cash. pic.twitter.com/GXACVDs3UR
— ASHUTOSH MISHRA (@ashu3page) 17 April 2018
I’ve been facing #CashCrunch since ages, Money in ATM Doesn’t matter, The problem lies in my wallet!
— RJ Shonali (@RjShonalii) 17 April 2018
Checking for #CashCrunch. But then you realize you are poor : pic.twitter.com/tJ0T6XSZYr
— Republic Of Bakchodi (@followTheGupta) 17 April 2018
Standing in the line outside the ATM and I kid you not, one guy ordered from Swiggy, got his food delivered and finished eating also.#CashCrunch
— Mohan…🇮🇳 (@iamnavamohan) 17 April 2018
No money in ATM.
Finally, we have cashless India! #cashcrunch— Vaishali Singh (@imvaishalisingh) 17 April 2018
Seizing the opportunity, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took a dig at the ruling party with this tweet.
Seeing reports of ATMs running out of cash in several States. Big notes missing. Reminder of #DeMonetisation days. Is there a Financial Emergency going on in the country? #CashCrunch #CashlessATMs
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) 17 April 2018
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi soon followed her by sharing a post in a poem form. It says:
समझो अब नोटबंदी का फरेब
आपका पैसा निरव मोदी की जेबमोदीजी की क्या ‘माल्या’ माया
नोटबंदी का आतंक दोबारा छायादेश के ATM सब फिर से खाली
बैंकों की क्या हालत कर डाली#CashCrunch— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 17, 2018
Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) leader was also not far behind in joining the others. He too shared a series of tweets:
ATMs were empty in November 2016. ATMs are empty now. And the only party flush with cash is the BJP: the people suffer.
— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) April 17, 2018
Demonetisation did not kill terrorism. It did not kill corruption or fake currency either. But it has certainly killed the Indian economy. The cash crisis tells us how Modi’s demonetisation disaster is still wreaking havoc.
— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) April 17, 2018
This govt which still has not been able to count the demonetised currency is asking us to trust its Jumla that there is no cash crunch. After the demonetisation disaster where goalposts were repeatedly shifted and deadlines changed, no one trusts the Modi government anymore.
— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) April 17, 2018
What’s your take on the entire situation? Share with us in the comments below.
