MillenniumPost
Delhi

A month later, demonetisation haunts pregnant women, homemakers

Even a month after the demonetisation announcement, people belonging to economically weaker sections are still struggling hard to acquire cash to meet their daily needs.  

There have been efforts to record diverse incidents where this move has not only affected people as a whole but even family members of the dead are trying hard to get their loved ones cremated.   

The note ban has affected the living and the dead alike, and has not even spared the unborn. 

Innocent newborn babies or even those who are yet to be born seem to be bearing the brunt of demonetisation and so are their mothers.  

 Cash shortage has forced the mothers to settle for less nutritious food elements compared to what should be fed to babies when they are in their mothers’ wombs or even after they are born. Homemakers, as a whole,  are also silently revolting as their kitchens have gone dry and now, buying essential food items have become an uphill task.   

Swati Srivastava, who is 8 months pregnant, shares her concerns and says: “The sudden decision of currency ban has affected our planning after we came to know that I am pregnant. To arrange more cash to buy essentials like protein powders, fruits and milk, even I have to stand in long queues with severe back and ankle pain as no one else from my family can withdraw money on my behalf. 

We are also worried about the health of our child as sometimes I have to skip fruits and the prescribed medicines as old currencies have already been deposited to our accounts and the new one is very hard to acquire. I am also unable to hire a maid as a helping hand in this extreme situation.”

Swati is not a solitary example. A few days back, a woman from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, had to deliver a baby in the bank as she went into labour in the evening after standing in the queue since morning.

Homemaker Prachi Sharma says: “Empty containers lie in my kitchen these days. And food items are not available easily these days which is a major concern. Earlier, we use to buy food items in bulk but due to fewer withdrawal limits,  we have to buy less which is used up soon. 

As winter has arrived, it’s hard to get the geyser serviced and installed as one or two servicemen we know says they are busy standing in queues to withdraw money and they won’t be available for work. Now, I am waiting for Sunday as it’s an off-day for my husband.” 
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