Small change

Are we short of small change? If not, why is it that shopkeepers - even in supermarkets - refuse to give change of lower denominations and round off the balance amount? The cashiers tell us with a deadpan expression that they have no change. They even look scornfully at customers who insist on getting their change. One doesn't mind forfeiting the small amount. But one should have the freedom to do so.

Raju Umamaheswar,

Coimbatore