By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The East Khasi Hills District Administration has taken strong cognizance of the illegal practice adopted by local vendors and shopkeepers to offer chocolates, gums, toffees and coupons to customers on the pretext of shortage of coins.
Reacting to complaints from customers, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal has ordered the shopkeepers to immediate put and to the practice.
Customers cannot be forced to accept other items in exchange of coins, Goyal said. The shopkeepers shall be responsible for arranging the coins to pay to customers, he said.
The DC also informed that the Reserve Bank of India has clarified that there is no shortage of coins of the denomination of rupee one, two and five in the banks operating in East Khasi Hills district.
“Violation of this instruction will invite stern action which may go up to the extent of penalties on the shopkeepers under relevant provisions of the law,” Goyal added.
The Deputy Commissioner has also asked people to come forward and lodge complaints against any violation of the instruction by shopkeepers.