BAREILLY: Homemaker Najma Khan, who had to take part in 14 kitty parties this month, was surprised as the parties were cancelled after the Centre scrapped currency notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500. Demonetisation has hit kitty parties in the city hard. With personal contributions to each party ranging from Rs 3,000 to 25,000, most kitty parties have been cancelled as members struggle to deal with cash shortage “We tried hard to conduct kitty parties but were forced to cancel them because members could not arrange cash in small denominations. Out of 14 kitty parties scheduled for November, we could organise only one, where we decided to visit a resort in Rudranagar. Though expenses were paid through debit cards, members are yet to make mandatory payment to the organiser,” said Khan.“We have postponed the parties to next month but are not sure whether they will take place in December or January. Every member needs cash to meet daily expenses and to give money to couples because the wedding season is going on,” Khan added.Another housewife, Pooja Singhal, said, “No member is ready to accept cash in Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denominations. If all members make payment in old notes, it will become difficult for the person to get the collective amount exchanged at a bank. As no person is ready to take the risk on this, kitty parties have been cancelled now and will take place later.”As the city lacks outing spots, kitty parties have been a hit among women, especially housewives. “On the pretext of kitty parties, women come together and meet with each other. We enjoy gossip while playing games. With the cancellation of the parties, we will now have to plan another party to bring us together on one platform,” said Shalu Agarwal. She added that as the money saved in kitty parties is unaccountable, people are reluctant to accept cash which they would have to exchange at banks.Anupama Jain, whose four kitty parties have been postponed this month said, “The government has demonetised currency in the interest of the nation and we are supporting the decision. The unavailability of cash is a problem for a short period and things will improve soon.”