Director of the department of heavy industry of the Government of India, Sainyukta Samandar directed that post offices be made more active in order to lessen the load on banks and mitigate inconvenience and various problems faced by the citizens. In case of marriages, the bankers should take the decision themselves according to the guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India, instead of going to the Additional District Magistrate or the Sub Divisional Magistrate. Samandar said this while attending a meeting on aspects of demonetisation with administrative and bank officials at the Damkothi guest house in Haridwar.
She directed officials concerned to present report on the status of old currency exchange and the total amount deposited in saving and current accounts.
On seeking information about the issues being faced by the public in the Haridwar district following demonetisation, the Haridwar District Magistrate Harbans Singh Chugh informed that the problems would be resolved to a considerable extent if along with the `2,000 currency notes, the `500 currency notes are made available soon to the banks. Considering the comparatively more movement of tourists in Haridwar, the facilitation of a separate money exchange for tourists was also suggested. Setting up a money exchange counter at Piran Kaliyar will also be required during the month of December in view of the annual Urs held here.
Chugh further said that with Haridwar also being a sugar cane belt, the farmers are facing problems in the clearance of the pending dues. Stating that no one will refuse to accept `10 coin, the DM said that first information report will be lodged against anyone refusing to accept `10 coin. The bank officials said that all the amount of money they are receiving is being disbursed to the people but still full availability of currency is not being facilitated.