Cash Crunch

The demonetization ‘demon’ has put paid to whatever was left of our picnic plans for November 26.

Santosh Tyagi celebrates son's birthday

Hot tea from Mallika Kagzi (l)

It did not however, deter Swati Panjabi from treating us to generous portions of freshly baked lola this morning, or for Santosh Tyagi to celebrate her son’s birthday with a box of sohan papri or for Mallika Kagzi to get us hot tea from home – something we had been missing since her hospitalisation with dengue last month. Effectively, it was party time all morning.
As for the picnic, Shekhawat had negotiated a decent deal (ref post of November 19) with the resort owners at Malad last Saturday. The question now is how would the money be collected from members? Shekhawat had initially offered to accept cheque payment from those who were strapped for cash (given the current restrictions on bank withdrawals).

Swati Panjabi gets fresh lola for us

Shekhawat (r) ponders over liquidity crisis

“Pay by cash or cheque, whatever you please,” he announced bravely.
Before long he discovered that almost everybody was suffering from a severe cash crunch on their domestic expenses and would rather drop out from the picnic. Some like Yusuf Rassiwala cheekily offered to pay in “old 500 and 1000 rupees notes”, which have ceased to be legal tender. Shekhawat developed cold feet the moment he realized that there was no way he could account for the cheques he was asking for. “I can take ‘self cheques’, but how am I to encash them?” he wondered aloud. “Who will run to banks and stand in long queues all day?”
The long and short of the story is that the picnic has been consigned to the back burner!
Kiran Prakash:
I am shocked to go through today's blog and learn about the cash crunch. Shekhawat, on his own (and as reported in this blog on 31st October) had counted three options. One of them was that he "was prepared to take us on a free day-picnic anywhere within Mumbai’s metropolitan limits – the venue, of our choice". To me it appears there are elements who do not want Shekhawat to have the pleasure of sponsoring a picnic. Who are they?
Bhaswati Bose:
It is not 'they'... It is only one element defending Shekhawat-ji and playing spoilsport -- the Blog Monster!
Kiran Prakash reacts:
What are you talking? I can't believe this. Blog Monster cannot be so cruel towards the members. Blog Monster has always been empathetic and compassionate!!!
Siba Prasad Maitra:
I am also shocked reading today's blog on the cancellation of picnic. Though this has not been mentioned, putting it "in the back burner" means either cancellation or postponement. Today I found Blog Monster was too kind to Mr Shekhawat and that may be the reason for this development. This is also endorsed by Mrs Bose in her comment. Out of the three options Shekhawat had given us, one was party in his house. I believe for such a party, there won't be any currency crunch. Otherwise, in future, we will not believe him on any promise.
Kiran Prakash adds:
Mr Maitra is honest and forthright in his comment. I totally agree with him.
Kajal / Dilip Babani:
It is amazing how one person's view can change the whole thing. Initially plan was of full picnic. Then bearing transport cost. Now fully paid picnic. What happened to the golden words -- 'Promises once made can't be broken'? Not fair to break it on one person's view and not thinking of everyone's happiness.
Lt Col Angad Singh (from Mohali):
Demonetisation has put everyone on a cash crunch. There is no harm sitting in dear Shekhawat's cosy home and for a change, enjoy the picnic with Rajasthani stuff.