Why Exemption For Only Marriage And Not Death, Asks Retired DRDO Scientist Who Lost His Wife

71-year-old Professor Amarnath Agarwal, who lost his wife last week, wonders why the Rs 2.5 lakh withdrawal limit does not apply to those like him who have to pay for the elaborate rituals following the death of a loved one.

Professor Agarwal wishes to spend Rs 2.5 lakh on the religious rituals of his wife Draupadi (inset)/TOI

His wife passed away following a cardiac arrest on November 19. But apart from mourning her loss and planning her final rituals, Agrawal has another big worry to add to his list of woes - demonetisation.

The retired Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientist is worried how to will meet the cash requirement for the elaborate religious rituals between the tenth and twelfth day of his wife's death, which he expects will cost nearly Rs 2.5 lakh.

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While the government has set a Rs 2.5 lakh withdrawal limit for weddings, there is no such exemption for those suffering a death in the family. "I just want our politicians to realise that just like a marriage ceremony, even rituals following death are a serious business and have to be given special attention," Agrawal told Mumbai Mirror at his residence. "While marriage expenses can be scaled down, expenses in case of death cannot be," added the father of three.

Draupadi, who was suffering from chronic renal failure, was cremated last Saturday after neighbours at Mahavir Trinkets Society pooled in money and made payments for the crematorium, to pay priests, hire an ambulance, etc.

Despite this, the IIT-Bombay alumnus, currently a pensioner, who runs a study centre at Matunga East, claims to be happy with Prime Minister Modi's demonetisation exercise. The septuagenarian has already tweeted to PM Modi's Twitter handle regarding his request, but has not heard from him.

Agrawal had visited Canara Bank's Kanjurmarg branch with an application to withdraw Rs 2.5 lakh and a doctor's letter certifying his wife's death. "The branch manager is a dear friend. But he says he is helpless till the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issues necessary guidelines," Agrawal said.

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Given the weekly withdrawal limits set by RBI, Agrawal managed to withdraw Rs 48,000 from the two accounts he holds. "The bank staffers were kind enough to understand my plight and give me the money. There are many who have been unable to withdraw even the allowed limit because some banks don't have the money," he said.

Expanding on the expenditure on funeral rituals, Agrawal said, "For the tenth day rituals, the temple at Mulund is not in a position to accept card payments or cheque. For the twelfth day ceremony, 12 Brahmins will have to be fed and given dakshina (donation)."

Given the customs that the Agrawals follow, one of the most important ceremonies after the Asthi Visarjan, Pind Daan and Gau Daan is Shaiya Daan.

"Those who wish the departed well make gifts of articles according to their ability. The soul shall be pleased thereby having its basic needs satisfied, similar to when it was alive in the physical form," Professor Agrawal informed.

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Accordingly, Professor Agrawal needs to purchase silver ware, food stuff, clothes, new beds, etc which he will have to gift the 12 Brahmins.

"In return, the purohit gives an equal amount of blessings to each one in order to lead their lives with peace, happiness and prosperity," Agrawal said.

Exchange Of Old Notes Has Stopped

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? No more over-the-counter exchange of old Rs 500, Rs 1,000 notes; this is to encourage people "who are still unbanked, to open new bank accounts"

? Rs 1,000 notes will no longer be allowed to be used for the list of exemptions the government has announced (list below)

Some Places You Can Use Old Rs 500 Notes Till December 15

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? Government hospitals

? Pharmacies, to buy medicines with doctor's prescription

? At railway ticketing counters, bus ticket counters of government or PSUs and airline counters at airports for purchase of tickets

? For purchase of petrol, diesel and gas at state-run oil companies

? At crematoria and burial grounds

? At international airports for passengers up to Rs 5,000

? To buy LPG gas cylinders

? For metro rail tickets

? At monuments maintained by ASI