The Central Government on Wednesday remained silent on media reports that Rs 2,000 currency notes will be scrapped. When the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha asked the Government to clarify
the matter, leader of House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who was present in the Rajya Sabha, did not respond to the members’ demand.
Raising the issue soon after the House met for the day, Naresh Agrawal (Samajwadi Party) said reports indicated that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposed to scrap the Rs 2,000 notes. He said as per tradition, policy decisions by the Government are announced in Parliament if the session is on and asked it to clear the air.
So far, the RBI has printed 3.2 lakh crore pieces of Rs 2,000 notes, said the SP leader, adding it has now stopped printing. Also, he remarked that the RBI cannot bully.
Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien said it was the prerogative of the RBI to take such decisions. Agrawal then said the earlier demonetisation decision was taken by the Government and not the RBI as its Board had opposed it.
Expressing similar sentiments, leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad too sought clarification from the Government on whether it was planning to introduce Rs 1,000 coins. He also said demonetisation decision was also announced by the Government.
He said every day the media was reporting that Rs 2,000 notes will be scrapped and instead coins of Rs 1,000 will be introduced. Taking a dig at the Government, Azad then said now people will have to carry a bag for coins. Seeking a response from the Government, the Congress leader said there was no politics in this issue.
Sharad Yadav (JD-U) said the issue was serious as the rumours are strong. The Government should clarify and stop the rumours or else people will start returning Rs 2,000 notes, he said.