ROQUE DIAS | NT Senior Reporter
MARGAO : Traditional bakers (poders) in Salcete taluka have been severely affected by the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. The bakers have been hamstrung by the cash crunch, which has befallen on the nation after Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes last week.
The introduction of new note of Rs 2000 has not been helpful for the traditional bakers in anyway.
The harried bakers are staring acute hardship in the face in December, which is usually pervaded by festivities.
Vice-president of the All-Goa Bakers Association Joao Agostinho Gomes said that at least for now the new Rs 2000 note does not serve the purpose, as they do not have enough change to give back the balance amount to customers.
Gomes said the demonetisation move has been high on intentions but low on implementation.
There are at least 800 bakers in the taluka of which 60 per cent are traditional pao-makers, who totally depend on the trade for survival.
President of the All-Goa Bakers and Confectionery Items Peter Fernandes also echoed the helplessness of Gomes.
“The scarcity of change has badly affected our business. Some people are taking advantage of the situation and are not giving the change even if they have it. We are forced to sell breads on credit as they are a perishable commodity, Fernandes said.
Fernandes anticipated more trouble for their business in December. The bakers said the demonetisation has affected their business by at least 35 per cent.
“We demand that the government should a find solution to the mess brought about by the demonetisation,’’ a traditional bread-maker from Margao C Fernandes said.
The bakers found fault with the timing of the demonetisation move. Goa is a tourist destination and the move has severely affected various businesses in the state in the tourism season.
“December is always abuzz with activities.. If we do not have enough cash to buy raw material then our business will be affected,” baker Jaganand Naik said. Traditional bakers from Benaulim, Varca, Colva, Cavelossim and Khareband sell their products on bicycles at the MMC building in the evening.
“We too are affected by the demonetisation. If anybody gives us a note Rs 100 we cannot give back the change. What will be our plight if a note of Rs 2000 is given to us?,” asked Vijay Fernandes, a bread seller at the Margao municipality building.