Bankers take a break: Cash chaos continues

Many ATMs go dry within minutes as people throng kiosks with cash
Image used for representational purpose
Image used for representational purpose

BENGALURU: Twelve days after the announcement of demonetisation of old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes, the bank officials got a much-needed break from work on Sunday. Bank premises wore a deserted look while many ATMs kiosks remained dry. The ATMs that were loaded with cash went dry within a few minutes at most of the places as working professionals desperately waited to get the cash on a weekend.

Technicians calibrating the ATM machines for the new
D500 and D2,000 currency notes at an SBI
ATM kiosk in Wilson Garden on Sunday
| NAGARAJA GADEKAL

As the banks were closed, people were found trying other means to exchange the D500 and D1,000 denomination notes. In many parts, the recalibration of the ATM kiosks for the new currencies was being done in city. Micro ATMs too were seen in many parts of the city.

People complained that there is a huge difference in value between the D100 and D2,000 denominations, which is leading to problems.
Residents feel that the Reserve Bank of India should release new D500 currency to solve the crisis-like situation.

“I recently shopped for D700 worth products. But when the shopkeeper realised I was carrying D2,000 note, I was asked to either shop for minimum  D1,600 or return the stuff I had already picked,” said homemaker Rajeshwari.

There is still very less awareness about the features of new D2,000 notes to judge whether the currency is real or fake. Recent incidents of photocopied notes being seized in many parts of the state have only added to the apprehension among people.

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