SPECIALISED TRADE: A salesman doing brisk business in articles meant for police in Cuddalore.
CUDDALORE:
Come elections, the security personnel will be out on the roads almost round the clock. Moreover, they will have to accompany the VIP convoys and raise security cordons at their public rallies.
Since they will be in the public view all the time it is their endeavour to put up a presentable appearance to the best of their ability. In fact, it is time for them to replace their old and worn-out hats and boots, belts and other accessories for a better turnout. According to sources, the uniformed services personnel are getting their limited supply of uniforms and accessories from the Police Department at regular intervals. These are being distributed to them through the stores set up in the District Police Offices.
For instance, the police personnel are getting two sets of uniforms and a pair of shoes every year, caps or hats once in two years and belts once in five years. Since the personnel would have to serve in all weather conditions, let it be scorching sunlight or pouring rains, the uniform and the accessories will become shaggy, calling for replacement before the fresh supply materialises.
The accessories are available only in a handful of shops set up near the erstwhile Moore Market area in Chennai, but since the personnel are hard pressed for time they could not make it often to the capital to source the articles. Moreover, the travel expenses will far exceed the value of articles they intend to buy.
Realising the business potential in this regard, a retired foreman of Neyveli Lignite Corporation, Chinnaiah, has taken to the trade of selling accessories for police personnel about 20 years ago. He told this correspondent that he is running a small shop in his place at Neyveli and periodically he makes a visit to Cuddalore to meet the needs of the personnel. The business has been quite brisk ever since the election notification was issued.
For instance, whistles, ropes, badges, metallic emblems, laces, shocks, leather belts and polish, including brasso, are in great demand. He procures these articles from Chennai and markets these here at a premium. Even while he was talking about his trade, half a dozen enquiries were made about the price of certain articles. The personnel come to him in twos and threes throughout the day. Mr. Chinnaiah has, therefore, very little time to spare for any personal works and he enjoys it that way.
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