Aligarh's centuries-old lock industry is staring at what could be a total shutdown.
It has been more than a month since the chaotic process of demonetisation began. The drastic effect of this scheme is seen on local industries across the country. Aligarh's centuries-old lock industry, which comprises of 5,000 organised and as many unorganised units, employs over 2 lakh daily wage workers, and is worth Rs. 4000 crore is staring at what could be a total shutdown. 90% of the small and cottage scale units, including unregistered ones in Aligarh have either closed down or are on the brink of closure. Owners have no money to pay wages or buy raw material, while stock of manufactured goods is piling up in their storehouses. Newsclick spoke to the people in Aligarh regarding the devastating impact of demonetisation on their lives. Here is our video report from ground zero.