Bookmychotu.com, which providers helpers and handymen for various household and other chores, is now offering to send people to stand in queues in front of ATMs at Rs 90 per hour.
An eight-hour shift for a ‘chotu’ costs Rs 550, or Rs 69 per hour.
“Are you short of cash? Need a Helper to stand in Queue of the bank or atm till the time your turn comes,” asks the Noida-based company in its promo for the service.
It adds that the “boys” will not go inside bank or impersonate you.
“They will just stand in the queue for our customers as we understand that there can be some emergency and our helpers can help you in the same by saving your valuable time.”
THE LITTLE ONE
Chotu means ‘little one’ and is used to refer to children who are employed in Dhabas and hotels.
However, said BookmyChotu, the company’s helpers are all above 18 years of age and they have no issues being referred to as Chotu.
“Chotu” is just a name and the same is being used for branding purposes. We have no intentions to hurt anyone’s sentiments,” it said.
The use of the word could lead to some ruffled feathers, though it is commonplace in traditional feudal set-ups in India to refer to one’s employees as ‘beta‘ (son) even if that person is a grown-up.
“All Chotus/helpers are above the age of 18 and they have no objection with this name,” said the company.
Chotus can be booked on the company’s website or on phone. Once you get the confirmation, you can ‘relax’, says the website.
The service has been founded by Satjeet Singh Bedi, who is also the CEO, while the ‘core team and strategy’ is handled by Govin Kandhari.
Besides standing at ATM queues, the ‘Chotus’ can also do basic cleaning, help in shifting, help in organizing a party or religious get-together. They also help in going to the market and can go and purchase grocery items from nearby stores.
However, says the website, Chotus cannot be used for toilet cleaning or washing clothes.
Besides, says the company, you cannot refuse to pay for something that you sent the Chotu to buy in the first place. “If you send Chotu for purchasing any items from the market then you are responsible for all payments.”
“Customers are responsible for their precious belongings and household items. Please check Chotus before and after the job,” it adds.
“Our vision is to use best of technology and smart processes to provide easy on demand helper platform to our customers,” the company says on its website.