continue to increase outside ATMs in the city. (ST)
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has sent a strong message to traders in the city who are harassing buyers by denying change or forcing them into higher purchases.
Many shop owners in the city are asking customers, who are paying in the new Rs 2,000 note or the scrapped denominations, to purchase more in order to get change.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Sangma said the government would take strict action against such traders who are taking the opportunity of people’s plight.
“The government has received inputs in this regard and it will initiate necessary action after getting evidence against such elements. The chief secretary will review the situation regularly with banks and the Reserve Bank of India,” the chief minister said and added that the North East region will receive the new Rs 500 notes by the end of November.
The State government will create a contingency fund pool for farmers, who are the worst victims of the Centre’s demonetisation move, if they approach the distress cell, the chief minister said.
The administration in all districts has been asked to ensure that none of the poor is exploited and that banks furnish all information about depositing money. The administration should also be in the loop about transactions above Rs 2.5 lakh.
Denouncing the Centre’s demonetisation decision, Sangma said it should have been prepared before making the announcement.
Reacting to a query about shops in Shillong not accepting Rs 10 coins, he said anybody who tries to take advantage of the situation will be taken to task as per the law. “A lot of sensitisation is needed to ensure that people are not exploited in this crisis,” he added.