SHILLONG: Senior cabinet minister Prestone Tynsong has questioned the decision of the Centre to release new Rs 2,000 notes which, according to him, defies the pro-poor policy of the Union government.
“The Centre wanted to phase out Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, but in the meantime they have come up with the new Rs 2,000 notes. I am unable to fathom out its purpose even after asking unlimited questions,” Tynsong told reporters on Tuesday and narrated an instance when he could not get change for the Rs 2,000 note.
Tynsong also wanted to know whether there was assurance from any quarters that the Rs 2,000 notes would not be duplicated as there is no fool-proof mechanism to contain circulation of fake currency in India.
He said there is dislocation on various fronts as a proper mechanism is yet to be put in place to address the many grievances of the people affected by the new decision of the government on currency.
“I support the Centre (in its endeavour) to bring back black money from abroad, but the current action of the government only affected the people of the country and not the real black money holders,” Tynsong said.
According to Tynsong, people are being forced to deposit their hard-earned money following the restriction on the use of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.
“I want to ask the central government where is the black money. The decision was hurriedly taken by an emotionally driven Prime Minister and this caused harassment to the poor and the needy,” Tynsong said.
He added that the impact of the decision of the government has dangerous consequences.
To a question on whether the Centre’s decision was aimed at curtailing expenditure during elections, the minister said the Election Commission of India has been regulating the matter.
Tynsong also does not subscribe to the idea that this will stop the flow of funds to the militants. “I do not see much change. We know the linkages of the Northeast militants and we are aware from where they get shelter and arms. Hence, they will still survive,” he added.
He also pointed out that of around 6,700 villages in Meghalaya, lakhs of villagers are without bank accounts and the Centre’s sudden decision has put them in a difficult situation.
