Noida's Antim Niwas keeps the change
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Noida's Antim Niwas keeps the change

The severe cash crunch has led to a shortage of Rs 100 notes, which the cremation centre's payment counter needs to frequently dole out as change.

Noida's Antim Niwas keeps the change

In a way, the effects of demonetisation have even reached the dead.

Antim Niwas, the cremation centre in Sector 94, Noida, charges Rs 2,800 for cremating those who have died a natural death, Rs 2,500 for those who have died in accidents and Rs 400 for children. The severe cash crunch has led to a shortage of Rs 100 notes, which the centre's payment counter needs to frequently dole out as change. The relatives of the deceased are left with no option but to let the centre keep the change. 

"We have been insisting on payments through cheques," said Ashok Sharma, who works with the Noida Cremation Centre. "Payment by cheque, however, not being the preferred mode of payment, is causing problems for both them and us."

There is an average collection of Rs 35,000 every two days at the centre. This amount is regularly deposited at the Allahabad Bank branch in Sector 48. The centre, however, has not been able to deposit the demonetised notes due to heavy rush and serpentine queues at the bank these days.

Gaurav Sharma, an employee with the centre, said he had to return without depositing the amount, as banking hours were over by the time his turn came. He said the bank should arrange for an alternative counter for public convenience.