Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s move to ban 500 and 1,000 rupee notes in order to curb the circulation of black money is perhaps one of the boldest moves in the history of Indian politics. While his approach has been praised by some, others have despised it. But how has demonetisation impacted college goers, especially the out-stationed students? In order to find what the youngsters feel about Modi’s move, we interacted with few college students in Satya Niketan (South Campus) and North Campus.
The youngsters at Satya Niketan hailed Modi’s move but at the same time shared that it could have been executed in a better way. “Due to the shortage of money, it has become difficult to manage daily expenses. As far as denominations are concerned, it is difficult to get change from a 2,000 rupee note,” said one college-goer.
Out-stationed students are finding it difficult to get cash in hand as most of the ATM’s in the vicinity are either shut or have long queues. Despite all the trouble that they are facing, youngsters unanimously said that they would still vote for Modi as his efforts would help our country grow.
While interacting with a manager of a famous eatery in Satya Niketan, he said that he is happy with the move, but the sales have dipped 50% as students have stopped coming. He also shared that it is difficult for him to provide change to students who come with a 2,000 rupee note.
After interacting with students from South Campus, we went to North Campus to ask students what they feel about the PM’s move. Students at Ramjas College shared the same sentiment as they are in favour of the initiative but feel that it is difficult for daily wage labourers to stand in queues for hours.
Next, at Shri Ram College of Commerce, out-stationed students shared that it has become difficult for them to fulfill their basic needs of milk and water. Even for their daily meals, they have to depend on online transactions.
In the last video, students were standing in a long queue outside an ATM near Miranda House College. While the cashier was re-filling the ATM, students shared how it has now become a daily ritual for them to stand in queues for at least 3-4 hours. Overall, majority of the students support the Prime Minister to bring a stop to corruption. For a better future of our country, youngsters and are willing to overlook the difficulties they are facing in the present.
