Swipe debit cards at shops to get cash

Mumbai: As a service to the public, which has been facing difficulties owing to the government’s decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, the Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association (FRTWA) has announced that shops in 150 areas in the city will give cash to customers who make purchases with their debit cards, by the end of this week.  Viren Shah, president, FRTWA, said, “We are doing this only for to serve the public, who need cash urgently for day-to-day needs.”

Meanwhile, the bandh that was called on Monday by Opposition parties against the Centre’s demonetisation decision is unlikely to have an impact on Mumbai, as trader associations have decided against participating in it. Also, many markets in Mumbai generally remain shut on Monday.

The FRTWA, the apex body of the trading community which controls most city-based shops and markets, said the shops will hand out the money to customers after their swipe machines are updated.

“By participating in the bandh, we would be inconveniencing people who want to buy their daily groceries. We condemn the calls for bandh, which are being made by political parties,” said Mr Shah.

Condemning the bandh, Praveen Khandelwal, secretary, The Confederation of All India Traders, a trader body, said, “The trading community is not supporting any such bandh and traders all over the country will open their shops and business establishments tomorrow as usual and they will conduct business activities in a normal manner. On the contrary, we have launched a nationwide campaign for promoting adoption of digital payment methods by the trading community and we have launched an exclusive website, www.lesscash.in, and also released a less cash manifesto on Saturday.”

Some shops where the offer is valid:

• Roopam – Crawford Market
• Roopmilan – Marine Lines and Dadar (west)
• Kalaniketan – Marine Lines  
• Benzer, Premsons – Breach Candy   
• Amarsons – Bandra
• Asiatic – Churchgate
• Libas – Borivali, Pedder Road, Juhu and Santa Cruz
• Trio – Hill Road
• Seasons – Santa Cruz  
• Metro and Mochi shoe showrooms – All over India