L. P. O...Local Purchase Orders

The word "Demonetization"  gained global publicity after the declaration of Indian Prime Minister on
8th Nov'16 regarding the high denomination notes INR 500 and INR 1000 ! Till that time no one would
have ever thought about the word. At least I was not in the habit of using this word.

But much before that, when I used to live in Malawi, a small country in Central African region wherein
I was precisely doing Demonetization without even aware of it. Looking back it made great sense to recollect the funny way we have been adhering to the principle of Demonetization !!

I landed in Malawi in May'1995. First overseas job and the expectations of the "Board" as the bosses always used to refer themselves were very high. Though the job was not at all difficult getting into the local nitty gritty was a bit tough. In MNC type organisations things were all defined in black and white. So you are expected to play your part in the orchestra and leave without even looking back. But in a small set up ( But for Malawi it was something like the empire of TATAs !) it was like that. You were expected to play not only your part of the music but also set the mike, organize the Chorus singers, check electrical connections and then ensure that there were no jarring notes !!

On arrival, I was given a book called as " L.P.O" book which was nothing but a purchase order. I was told that I could sign and leave the same with local hair dresser, restaurant, stationery shop, Petrol Bunk, Dairy, travel agent, Physician, Dentist and what not ! Apart from the above outside parties who were serving me in individual capacity, there were suppliers to company who were also happy with L.P.O !

Company felt that it was in an advantageous position as the L.P.Os always issued against 45 days to 60 days credit payment. Things were going well and as they say proverbial lull before the storm, one day the storm did break out !!

Whenever we sign L.P.O there was always a carbon copy in the book. One clever purchase assistant mastered the art of doing exactly my signature and that too in style ! On reconciliation the Financial Controller found out that the L.P.O of mine was being used in Big Bars and other related joints. As a teetotaler my presence in such joints was impossible. After a careful check the extra L.P.O book was found in the Purchase Assistant, that too with my Counterfeit signature !

The Purchase Assistant had to confess and got booted out the very same day !