Demonetisation dents Delhi’s kitty parties
Demonetisation has had an unprecedented effect across the country, but a small yet significant section of women in Delhi-NCR is reeling from the impact too — those part of kitty parties. In a kitty party, women contribute cash to the ‘kitty’. After a lucky draw, the winner gets the lump sum, creating a ‘savings fund’.
Not anymore. Model Amanpreet Wahi tells us, “All of my eight kitty parties are over. I used to save ` 10 lakh a year. Now, I don’t even have cash for sabzi (vegetables).”
Makeup artist Meenakshi Dutt, who hosted weekly parties, says, “I had to take my money back because the large sums can’t be converted into new notes.”
It’s been especially tough for homemakers. Pooja Gaur from Janakpuri says, “My husband gives me money for expenses and I’d save for myself through kitties. But now everything is ruined.”
Restaurants have also been hurt. Aashita Relan, owner, Royal China, says, “We used to host many kitties. But now there’s a 50% to 70% slump.”
“Kitty parties hosted in our restaurants have reduced by half. We’ve even got options to pay through digital wallets, these ladies rarely swipe a card. It’s all about cash for them,” says Akshay Anand of HotMess Kitchen & Bar.
All of my eight kitty parties are over. I used to save ` 10 lakh a year. Now, I don’t even have cash for sabzi (vegetables) AMANPREET WAHI, MODEL