Demonetisation: Mumbai's fishermen and women 'adjust' with loyal customers

Business was in full swing at the Sassoon Docks at 5.30 am today with many accepting old notes. Pics/Bipin Kokate

Fishermen and others involved in the business have tided over the demonetisation issue by operating on credit or accepting ban­ned notes. While those bringing fish to the shore are accepting cash in any denomination, agents who sell the supply to smaller fishermen are accepting the devalued notes against an assurance of adjusting the cha­nge in future dealings. Small fishermen are insisting on R100 notes while selling fish to customers in markets and those supplying to hotels are taking payment in cheque.

midday visited Sassoon Dock at dawn today. While business was on in full swing and there was no time for anyone to refuse Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Vatsala Mihir, a fish-seller, told us, "We're taking notes here as we can give it to agents. But, outside, we insist on change. There is no way for us to supply in credit."

While agents have sorted out their issue of change with boat owners, they are accepting the banned notes from buyers. But, do not have change to return. This means if a fisherman has bought a consignment of Rs 8,700, he will not get Rs 300 back. "They assure us that they will adjust the money in future dealings. We know each other for many years, that's why we have agreed," said Warsha Loge, a fisherwoman.