The common man has been easily led to believe that demonetisation is what the country needs (Open Page – “People and patience, post demonetisation”, Jan.3). Is it but clever talk equating resilience and the hardship of demonetisation to nationalism that has subdued the voice of the poor man to a whisper? Demonetisation hasn’t affected the wealthy. The pain is being borne by the poor. Instead of flagging off such exercises, there must be a focus on stronger laws, ensuring fruitful working of Parliament and even conscription. A code of conduct and ethics for all political leaders and those in government service should be implemented with sincerity.
Livia Poonacha,
Bengaluru
It would be incorrect to say that people “accepted” the narrative behind demonetisation which kept changing from hunting for black money to weeding out fake currency to turning ours into a cashless economy. The fact is that the nation was deeply stunned by the intensity of the announcement on November 8. Before one could gauge what was happening, there were countless notifications issued in the most incomprehensible and illogical manner, and much of it which went over one’s head. The bullying tactics of the government were like a classic case of manufacturing consent.
S.V. Venugopalan,
Chennai
