‘Kinnars’ forgo collection as note ban hurts

Bhopal: Third gender members on Wednesday decided to suspend “Nek” (blessing money) collection till the crisis caused by cash crunch following the Centre’s decision to demonetise two high value currency notes eases.

The Mangalbar Kinnar Association (MKA) comprising around 1,000 members of the third gender took the decision keeping in view the hardships being faced by people following the government’s decision, Baby Guru, an office bearer of the association told the media here.

“We have taken a decision not to collect ‘Nek’ from the public till the crisis is addressed. The current period, being a marriage season, is considered a peak ‘Nek’ collection time of the year. Still, we decided to sacrifice our financial interest in a show of solidarity with the people who are struggling to arrange money to buy even essential commodities,” the third gender member said.

Baby said the ‘kinnars’ mobilise funds to the tune of Rs 10,000 per day during the marriage season in lieu of their services.