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Clandestine money transfer — the only method they are familiar with

BERHAMPUR: Around five lakh Oriya migrant labourers from Ganjam district working in Surat have more faith in clandestine money transfer agents called ‘Tapawala’ than post offices or banks.

These illiterate labourers pay good commission for the clandestine money transfer from their work place to their home. These money transfer units operate illegally. But they have offices in Surat as well as in rural areas of Ganjam district. Neither the administration nor the police crack down on this illegal money transfer system on the plea that they have not received any complaint regarding it. But it is alleged that this clandestine network is a source of organised criminal cartel.

Under ‘Project Setu’ initiated by Aruna, Catholic Relief Services and LEPRA Society for migrant labourers and people living with HIV/AIDS, an effort was made to motivate migrant labourers in Surat to transfer money to their wives through core banking. This move was opposed by the organised “Tapawala’ cartel. According to Loknath Mishra of Aruna, they could only open onnly around 40 passbooks with core banking facility for migrant labourers in Surat.

According to sources, 28 major ‘Tapawala’ units operate in Ganjam district. Most of them are in Aska and Kavisuryanagar area. They have units both in Surat and Ganjam. The operators are also moneyed and powerful in Surat. They are also said to be running pornographic video parlours for labourers and indulging in other clandestine deals. They also enjoy proximity to political power in Surat as they have a large Oriya workforce attached to them due to money transactions. One Tapawala’s son also got elected as a councillor in Surat.

As for rates for money transfer, general commission is Rs. 50 per Rs. 1000 and it may go up to Rs. 120 for speedy money transfer. It all works on faith and phone calls. They also hand over money in bulk to receiver in Ganjam while they collect the amount on instalment on heavy interest of around 10 per cent per month in Surat. The money distribution is done in Ganjam district through batches of youths on bikes.

The family members of migrant labourers in Ganjam feel that it is the only way of money transfer. To increase faith of these family members ’Tapawala’ agents also transfer small goods to migrant labourers from their homes for small fees which is usually less than postal or courier services as it is transported by other migrant labourers.

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