Fastag

I had just reached home from work when I got to know that the next day onwards the money in my pocket is not legal tender.

Now, instead of waking up in the morning and going to work, I was trying to figure out how exactly to get by the next few days. Long ATM lines later, we finally had some money in hand. 

I wondered, how this sudden decision to uproot the financial system would benefit the country. Not an economics student so cannot understand the nitty-gritty, but I knew that something was amiss. Five years later, I still do not have an answer.

Anyway, digital payment was all the rage back then, didn't really have a choice, you see. The government too supported digital transactions with numerous ads and campaigns about how amazingly well the country is doing with regards to digitisation. 

And now, suddenly, the same government is saying that they are pulling the plug on one of the most advertised payment platforms. My Fastag (electronic toll collection system in India) is linked to the payment platform, and now I have to get a new Fastag and pay Rs 300 for registration and Rs 200 as a deposit for the same. Whatever happened to the registration charges and deposit I paid when I got the first Fastag? And until I get a new Fastag, they expect me to pay double the toll, because they have made Fastags mandatory and cash payments mean paying double the amount. So, not only is this causing me logistical trouble by making me issue a new Fastag, but I have to shell out more money as registration charges and deposit, and I also have to pay double toll until I get my new Fastag.

My annoyance is just one thing, when did we become this herd mentality where we do not demand stability and security? When did we stop questioning and demanding answers? Especially from those elected. 

When did we become okay with falling into the line whenever demanded?

Is my Fastag a trivial matter? Yes, it is.
Does that mean it is not a metaphor for something larger that may need our attention? You tell me. 

Picture credit: https://paytm.com/blog/fastag/nhai-fastag/