THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Union government should take immediate steps to address the difficulties faced by the people due to scrapping of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, said CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.
“People are struggling to meet their day-to-day expenses due to lack of money in hand. Currency notes that accounts to around 84 per cent of the total money in circulation, has been suddenly withdrawn. From RBI’s time-bound action plan, it’s clear that hindrances in transfer of new notes and restrictions in ATM withdrawals would be over by December only. This would have a far-reaching impact,” Kodiyeri pointed out while requesting the Centre to set things right within two weeks.
Essential services like hospitals, petrol pumps, milk booths, railway station and KSRTC should be allowed to accept the demonetised currency notes. Kodiyeri also urged the Union government to increase the number of such services and include agencies like KSFE, cooperative societies, electricity board and ration shops in the list. The Union government should take the lead in addressing the treasury standstill, he demanded. The Centre took the decision keeping political interests in mind. Such actions would not be enough to stop the flow of black money, the CPM leader opined.