Though digital transactions have almost become second nature for the city-bred, there are still those who prefer to carry out business using cash.
Petroleum dealers, rice and paddy merchants and silver manufacturers from Salem, who deal largely in cash, are hoping against hope that the 2019 general election will be different from polls in the recent past. Experience has taught them that they will have to run from pillar to post to get their cash and vehicles released from the custody of election squads if they are found not to be in possession of the required documents.
But it is not possible to have the right papers all the time, at least for those involved in the silver trade in Salem, a hub from where finished goods are sent to different parts of the country and beyond. Elections are a nightmare for those residing in 30 villages in the district, as surveillance teams often seize silver jewellery and other articles as unaccounted goods, severely affecting trade as a result, industry sources claim.
“Most of us are small-scale businessmen working out of huts and do not possess proper documentation. The raids affect us severely as even raw materials are seized,” said a small-scale silversmith.
K.V. Chandrapal, president, Salem Silver Leg Chain Manufacturers’ Association, said, “There are more than 1.5 lakh people involved in this trade here. Many avoid business transactions during the election period, fearing action by the squads.” Having faced issues in the 2016 election, the Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers’ Association has sought special permission from the State Election Commission to continue going about their business without any disturbance. Association president K.P. Murali said 90% of the transactions in fuel outlets were carried out through cash. “Dealers usually carry cash home or send it to banks for remittance with staff, in lakhs. Last time, cash belonging to several bunks was seized by flying squads and we had a tough time getting it back. Since most of us use the cash for daily rotation, even if a day's collection is with the election officials, we will find it difficult to buy stock from the oil companies,” he explained.
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The secretary of the Federation of Tamil Nadu Rice Mill Owners’ and Paddy-Rice Dealers’ Associations, A.C. Mohan, said rice and paddy were transported across the country on lorries, and transactions were made mostly in cash. “We hope that [flying] squads will understand the need for paddy and rice to reach their destinations in time,” he said.
The associations have submitted representations to the State government and the Election Commission, seeking their intervention in the matter. They want the flying squads to be apprised of their problems.
Members of various jewellers’ associations in Chennai visited Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo and made representations on issues related to transportation of goods when the Model Code of Conduct is in force. Representatives of the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council and the Madras Jewellers’ and Diamond Merchants’ Association explained to Mr. Sahoo their concerns about business getting affected and sought his intervention for the benefit of the jewellery industry. Salem District Election Officer Rohini R. Bhajibhakare said, “Through various awareness programmes and trade associations, we have sensitised traders to carry less cash and possess proper documents for the goods and cash they carry while travelling. Goods will not be seized if there are proper documents.”(With inputs from K. Lakshmi)