Take urgent steps to introduce Rs 500 notes, CM writes to Centre

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Nov 15, 2016, DHNS: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday urged the Centre to take immediate measures to introduce Rs 500 currency notes to provide relief to the common man.

In a three-page letter to the Union Finance Minister Arund Jaitely, he said people are facing problems due to non-availability of currency notes of smaller denominations.

Release of Rs 2,000 currency notes has not mitigated the problems of people. Hence, they are struggling to get smaller denomination notes by standing in long queues, he added.

The chief minister has suggested that the time limit for use of old currency notes for exempted categories be extended till December 30. It can be done as people have been already given time till December-end to exchange old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

Use of old currency notes should be allowed not only in government hospitals and pharmacies but also in private hospitals, diagnostics labs and blood banks.

Priority counters

“If that is not found feasible, then banks may be directed to set up a priority counter designated for payment to these institutions using old currency based on the authentication,” he added.

Steps should be taken to ensure supply of cash to co-operative banking institutions as farmers are dependent on them. Besides, minimum withdrawal limits for registered traders and commission agents of the APMC markets may be enhanced to enable them to pay small and marginal farmers, Siddaramaiah suggested.

Earlier, speaking to reporters after participating in Jawaharlal Nehru birth anniversary at the Vidhana Soudha here, the chief minister said people are facing lot of inconvenience as the Centre failed to take precautionary measures.

State Congress president G Parameshwara hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inconvenience caused to people by demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, saying that measures being taken by the Centre are taking a toll on the country’s economy.

“Nobody is against bringing in changes. We don’t oppose actions against black money. But, there is no place for

dictatorship in democracy. The economy has been badly affected due to Modi’s
decisions,” Parameshwara stated.

Speaking to reporters after taking part in Jawaharlal Nehru birth anniversary programme at the KPCC office, he said that a child lost its life in Hyderabad as its parents could not get cash to pay for the treatment.