Many wait as early as 5 am to change Ngultrums to Rupee
It is still dark at the Royal Monetary Authority premises in Thimphu. Sonam, 25, is already at the central bank. She is in kira, a hood shirt covers her head to protect from the morning cold.
Outside the gate, some early birds have built a fire. Not many are interested in the fire as the queue is getting longer. Wrapped in blankets, covered head to toe in warm clothes, people are lining up to get the “most precious” Indian Rupee.
By 6 am, the RMA premise is packed. Sonam needs Rupee to send her in-laws to Bodh Gaya. But Sonam is unlucky after waiting for hours. The central bank has started a “lucky dip” system and Sonam and her three friends didn’t get the ticket to change Ngultrum to Rupee. She will try her luck again.
“It’s a torture in the cold,” Sonam says. “But I need the money to send my in-laws to Bodh Gaya.” Sonam needs at least Nu 50,000 in Rupees.
Phuntsho Dorji a government employee said he is worried that his parents wouldn’t be able to go this year. “I have planned this for years.”
The RMA gives Indian Rupee to only 50 lucky people, which are given on “lucky dip” system.
Phub Zam a teacher said she planned a trip to Dorji Dyen (Bodh Gaya), but had to cancel because of the Rupee shortage.
With the pilgrimage season on, many Bhutanese travel to India and Nepal on pilgrimage. And with many people offering attractive packages, the rush is on. However, because of the Rupee problem following the Indian government’s demonetization plan, many are affected.
The tour packages to India are sold for Nu 10,000 to Nu 15,000 per person per trip. On an average, pilgrims spend about Nu 20,000 to Nu 30,000 in India. Bodh Gaya is the spiritual capital of India.
Dorji Dukpa said he requested seven of his friends to help get IC and only three got the “yes” lucky dip. He will get Nu 15,000 and will go back with more friends the next day.
Gyeltshen, 55, said it’s his third day and he was still trying. “The cold is nothing if I can get the Rupee,” he said.
Those waiting for the Rupee wait until 8 am for the RMA officials to arrive. “It is a gamble,” said Gyeltshen.
RMA officials didn’t respond to this paper. They will however, conduct a press conference today on the Rupee issue.
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