Help the tourists in India, please!

Prime Minister Modi's ban on Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes as a way to detect black money may, in the long run, work out but for now, it has turned life for many in total turmoil. While the Indian government has reassured its citizens of the long term benefits despite the initial slump in consumption, tourists who are currently visiting the country are left in the lurch.

Stuck with these notes, Bangladeshi tourists are at a total loss regarding how they will pay their bills – at restaurants, shops and hotels. While larger retail stores, hotels and restaurants may accept credit cards, what about the small roadside shops and eateries where tourists frequent for reasonably priced commodities and food? Most services require cash and not all Bangladeshi tourists carry international credit cards. It seems the Indian authorities did not really realise or care about the consequences this ban would have on tourists. And what about those Bangladeshis who go for treatment to India? How will they pay the hospital bills and other day to day expenses? Already there are media reports of Bangladeshis not being able to pay hospital bills in different Indian states. Pharmacies too, have refused to accept the taboo bills.

The new notes of Rs 500 and 2000 will be available until December 30. Indians, who can collect them by displaying their National ID cards. Tourists, therefore, seem to have no way of acquiring cash.  

Bangladeshis spend huge amounts of money in India every year when they visit as tourists or patients or businesspeople, contributing significantly to the Indian exchequer. In May 2016 Bangladeshis accounted for 20.48 percent share of foreign tourist arrivals in India (newstoday.com.bd).  It is expected that our neighbouring country, with which we have very good diplomatic ties, will go all out to help these tourists who are in dire straits. The Indian authorities must make alternative arrangements for these tourists who are stranded with wads of cash that are as good as paper money until they are exchanged at the bank. Provisions must be made, and the media should report what those are to inform those planning to travel to India soon. 'Incredible India' can only make sense if you can spend the cash you have brought along for the trip.