Modi’s move on black money is great, but…

A reader praises Narendra Modi's move against black money. Other topics: gym cameras, financial literacy

The Indian government should act against big capitalists, a reader says. Noah Seelam / EPA
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With a surprise move to withdraw 500- and 1,000-rupee notes from circulation on a short notice, prime minister Narendra Modi has proved that he is serious about his job (India withdraws all 500 and 1,000 rupee notes from circulation, November 9).

The only problem is that the common people have suffered heavily for this decision. This may flush out a lot of black money, but there are many Indians who do not have bank accounts. Especially people in interior regions and rural areas do not understand what is happening. Nor can they walk to a bank easily and change these denominations if they have them.

I also believe that the Modi government should act against the interests of the big capitalists, property speculators and big traders who not only evade taxes but also run a parallel black economy. It’s hard to believe that they keep their hard cash at home, while there are many safer but illegal options available within India.

Deep Saranya M, Abu Dhabi

Will the gym refund money?

Regarding your editorial The question of privacy and CCTV system (November 9), it's illegal to photograph or video people without their consent and I was never asked if I agreed or if I want a camera looking at me as I am coming out of the shower.

Furthermore, members were not advised of this when renewing their membership. Therefore, no consent was given nor were members told they would be subject to breach of their privacy.

Will Fitness First issue refunds to members who refuse to attend the gym because they don’t want to videotaped?

If we can’t use the facilities based on cultural issues and privacy issues, we will be forced to go to other gyms.

I want a refund so I can sign up to another one.

John Paravalos, Dubai

I was really scared to hear that my gym had been monitoring and recording all my activities all along.

I would expect the company to apologise to its members, refund the money to those who do not want to continue to be associated with it as well as show evidence that all the recordings have been destroyed and that these recordings have not fallen into wrong hands.

I wonder why people need to discuss this issue on social media. The gym should be closed immediately and investigations begin.

As you have pointed out in your editorial, CCTV cameras have many benefits, but the flip side is really scary. It seems that their benefits can be eclipsed by potential danger they pose.

It’s not just about individual privacy but also public safety.

I hope the authorities will take a prompt action against the gym for indulging in such dangerous and illegal activity.

Name withheld by request

Proof we need financial literacy

I refer to your story Cabin crew conned in Dubai forex scheme hire private investigators in bid to claim back millions (November 8). If people have been duped by this trading scheme and their investments were stolen, the police must launch a criminal investigation. If, however, it was mismanagement, possibly false advertising, I believe that would be a civil matter.

What doesn’t make sense to me in this article is the allegations that Exential operated from Dubai Media City, a free zone that could not possibly issue a licence for financial services or currency trading – regulated by the Central Bank and possibly the DIFC. Yet in July, the Dubai Economic Development Department revoked Exential’s licence. DED only issues licences outside of free zones. Moreover, anything that sounds too good to be true, most often it is. Anyone who assumes debt to fuel such speculative investing has a high appetite for risk or doesn’t understand the fundamentals of financial management. Once again, we are reminded that financial literacy is sorely needed in this part of the world.

Elan Fabbri, Dubai