Kovai chaiwala’s big help for small change crisis

Impressed by the polices of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, M K Chandran (50) has been giving change to the people even for a cup of tea.  “I give change to those who don’t make a purchase too. On an average 10 to 15 people are getting change for Rs 2,000 notes from me every day from November 10,” he said and makes it clear with a big smile that he is not helping anyone accumulate the new notes. 

Over 1,000 people come to the shop every day from 4 am to 11 pm for tea and snacks, making it possible to have adequate notes in lesser denominations. He said that he has not had trouble in using Rs 2,000 notes as he gives it to wholesale snack, soft drinks and raw material suppliers. 

“I am not with the Bharatiya Janata Party or any other party,” says Chandran who gives a tough argument to anyone who speaks against Modi. “If they want change, I will give them. But I cannot listen to their discussions against the wonderful man,” he says and adds that he was in support of Modi’s decision as it is a bold step against parallel economy.  

“The other reason is that he was once a Chaiwala like me,” he chuckled. “He has instructed us (staff) not to hesitate to give change for Rs 2,000 to the public in his absence,” says C K Ashokan (48) an employee.