Modi’s whims bring misery

The Modi government’s decision to suddenly advance the deadline for the use of old 500-rupee notes – with millions of commuters given barely 24 hours to spend the bills they had – is unacceptable (India moves up deadline for use of old notes at petrol stations, December 4).

There is no doubt that the government’s decision to rid the country of corruption is a good move, despite protests and chaos that have erupted following the demonetisation move. But the constant back and forth over the decision has made life miserable for common folks, who seem to have been taken for a ride. No amount of protest, litigation or public inconvenience is able to make the government rethink its decisions on any issue.

One wonders whether this government is bent on altering the definition of democracy for India. Sunita J, India It is indeed regrettable that the Indian government has suddenly banned the use of old 500-rupee notes at petrol stations.

The decision to allow people to use old 500-rupee notes at petrol stations was very helpful, especially for taxi and lorry drivers and daily commuters. The new 500-rupee note is not yet available everywhere and the distribution is patchy. The cash put in ATMs dries up within an hour or so.

When anyone visits a petrol pump with the new 2,000-rupee rupee note, it’s hard for the staff at the pump to return the balance.

Many petrol stations have already sought police protection fearing customer wrath.

I hope the government revokes its decision. Rajendra Aneja, Dubai