SHILLONG: The arrival of the new Rs 500 notes has eased the currency pangs in the city after the shortage of smaller denominations in banks and ATMs dispensing only Rs 2,000 notes put the common man on the receiving end of the demonetisation chaos.
“Shillong centre so far is the first in the North East to have the Rs 500 notes in ATMs. The ATMs in Guwahati started dispensing Rs 500 notes an hour later,” an official of State Bank of India in charge of the urban centre told The Shillong Times.
The official, however, added that only ATMs in greater Shillong dispensed Rs 500 notes due to insufficient amount but the “situation will hopefully be better next week” as adequate amount of the new notes are set to arrive.
There are 110 ATMs in greater Shillong area and 148 overall in East Khasi Hills.
On the security features of the new note, the official said, “The colour of the note changes from green to blue when it is tilted. When held against the light, the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi and Rs 500 written in small letters will be seen. There are five bleed lines on the right and left sides of the note. Moreover, it is a good quality note that looks similar to a dollar.”
It is learnt that the Rs 500 notes arrived in the city on November 23 despite the day being a state holiday. Bank officials and other staff worked hard to make the notes available to the people, another official in charge of rural sector said.
The official said Rs 500 notes have already been distributed in Nongstoin, Mairang and Jowai and request for Tura has already been made.
In rural areas, Rs 500 notes will be distributed over the counter as many people do not know how to use ATMs, which according to the bank official is “still a long way to go”.
Commenting on the allegations that the Nongpoh branch of SBI should have opened additional cash counters to relieve customers of the trouble of standing in long queues, the official acknowledge the need to set up more counters.
“Back in Jowai, I have seen mothers with babies in their arms and old people who should have been given preference and if they meet any difficulty, they should meet the branch manager to get a solution. The bank is yours and not mine and we should understand the grievances of the people,” the official said.
The official said Sumeet Jerath, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of External Affairs, arrived in Shillong to monitor the demonetisation issue in the State.
“He met the DCs, the Chief Secretary, bank officials and branch managers of treasury branches. He will then submit a report to the Ministry of Finance,” the official said.
Customers waiting in line outside an ATM outlet were seen coming smiling as they finally got a lower denomination of currency. The owner of a fast-food stall said, “I think the market will be okay with the arrival of the Rs 500 notes.”
