Eunuchs unscathed by demonetization

VADODARA: From small businesses to citizens, all have been hit by the demonetization decision of the government. People have been queuing up for hours at banks to get their currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination exchanged or deposit. But the eunuch community that is settled in Baranpura and collects around Rs 7.5 lakh every month in cash has no reasons to panic.The eunuchs had been planning to build a temple of Bahucharaji deity since past few years in Wadi. The construction started more than a year ago and it ended a few months back. Coincidentally, the community members paid cash to the contractor who built the temple a few days before currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 were invalidated. The community had also organized an inauguration function of the temple on November 14 that was attended by deputy chief minister Nitin Patel. “Whatever savings all members had, we gave it for the construction of the temple and the inauguration function,” said Anju Kunwar, a eunuch of the community. She added that they had been preparing for the function since two months and had made advance payments to all suppliers. Therefore, they do not have enough cash in the form of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination.After demonetization, the eunuchs have decreased their visits to give their blessings. “We have stopped visiting homes of new born children and newly married couples. Even if some members visit, they do not take cash and ask the families to call them after situation normalizes,” said Asha Kunwar who heads the Baranpura akhada.