The Nainital District Magistrate conducted unannounced inspections of various ATMs and bank counters to check on the conditions being experienced by citizens and visitors in getting the new currency notes and other related monetary work done following the demonetisation of `1000 and `500 notes by the Government of India. Taking cognisance of problems being faced by visitors from foreign countries, he directed bank officials to treat the foreigners on priority basis.

While the DM Deepak Rawat was interacting with the people standing in line at a bank, one customer, Sanjay Kumar said that his sister is getting married while only `24,000 is available in the account for withdrawal. With various professionals hired for the marriage function seeking money, he is facing difficulties in making the marriage arrangements, complained Kumar. Expressing disappointment at the situation, the DM said that a considerable proportion of Reserve Bank of India’s disbursement is to be done through forms and cheques. Stringent action will be taken in case any persons refuses to accept a valid cheque, he stressed. Rawat informed the public in Nainital district that in case of any person refusing to accept a valid cheque, a report will be lodged against the person and in cases, the person concerned may also have to spend time in jail. He said that the public can also register their complaint against such a person at the DM’s WhatsApp number 9458977777 or on the number 9997655555. The sub divisional magistrate and Pargana officer concerned can also be accessed to lodge such complaints, added the DM.

Some of the women present said that they had been in queues since 4 AM. Various voluntary organisations and groups were making arrangements to provide chai and drinking water to people waiting in queues. Rawat also told that all banks should facilitate free drinking water for the customers using funds provided under their respective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) head. He also interacted with people in queues outside ATMs of various banks on Nainital Road. He directed that the ATM not in operation at the SBI, Bhotiapadav be repaired and operational within two hours. He directed officials of the agencies filling currency in the ATMs to ensure that cash is refilled without delay as soon as an ATM runs out of cash so that the public faces minimum inconvenience.