Published On : Wed, Nov 9th, 2016

Video: Mixed reactions of Nagpur citizens as 500, 1000 rupee notes cease to be legal tender

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Nagpur: With the Prime Minister declaring the validity of the legal tenders of 500/- and 1000/- as null and void after 12 midnight of November 8, 2016, a sudden panic and mad rush was witnessed throughout the city. Right from 8 pm when it was declared, people hoarded petrol pumps, jewellery shops, daily needs shops and other places where they could convert their Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes into smaller denominations.

Passengers of MSRTC face problems
The passengers of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation did face a lot of problems. When Nagpur Today confronted some Bus conductors, he expressed his problem saying that till such time as he had change, he did accept notes of bigger denominations. But once he exhausted notes of smaller denominations, he found it difficult to issue tickets to passengers. One of passengers while speaking to Nagpur Today said that he had come from Patna by train and had to go to Wani (Yavatmal) but the passenger was off-loaded from the bus since he had notes of bigger denominations only.  

Cotton market deserted
For once, the busy wholesale vegetable market wore a deserted look. The reason is simple, people came to buy vegetables with big notes of larger denominations including Rs 500 and Rs 1000. Till such time when the vendors had change, they did sell vegetables and people did get to buy vegetables, but once the loose change of Rs 100, Rs 50 etc dwindled, they ceased to sell vegetables against notes of bigger denominations. However, surprisingly the President of Wholesale Onion and Potato sellers in Cotton Market area, said that he is very happy with the decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He claimed that this is a historic decision and is a good move to bring out the black money stashed by big leaders and businessmen. He claimed that yes the small time traders and vegetable vendors are facing problems. But these problems will last only for one or two days, but in the long run the great divide between the rich and poor has now been reduced.

Nagpur petrol pumps flow free on whims
Petrol pumps in Nagpur chose to make the citizens go haywire with their whims on Wednesday. A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced banning of existing Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, city petrol pumps have literally turned into a scene of chaos. As petrol pumps were given the relaxation to accept the currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 from the customers, the rush hours continued with customers flooding in an unprecedented manner. The decision was taken in view of immediate basic needs of customers to fuel their vehicles but the citizens are finding themselves helpless at petrol pumps as they are getting their fills on pre-conditions laid down by petrol pump owners.

As Nagpur Today toured various petrol pumps in city, all are found cluttered with citizens queuing up for the crucial refills.  A Hindustan Petroleum pump being operated by K Lamba at Kadbi square witnessed the similar panic. The citizens at this petrol pumps are being asked to fill up for full Rs 500 and those giving out Rs 1000 notes are asked to get the refund of Rs 500 later. Similar situation prevails at almost every petrol pumps in the city. Those coming up to get fuel with Rs 500 are facing tough times while those with Rs 100 notes are simply at ease. Interestingly those who appreciated the move yesterday night were mostly seen struggling throughout the day in the absence of closed ATMs and Banks added with the whims of petrol pumps.

Business as usual at railway station
Nagpur Today visited the Nagpur Railway Station to ascertain if the passengers are finding difficulty in procuring tickets. However, the passengers at the Nagpur Railway Station opined that the personnel of the counter are very cooperative and are accepting notes of bigger denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1000/-.

Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway Pravin Patil opined that they have directed the personnel of the counter to accept the notes of bigger denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1000/- so that the passengers do not face any problem in travelling by train.

Private Hospitals not accepting Rs 500 and Rs 1000/- notes
While speaking to Nagpur Today, Regional Head of Wockhardt Super Speciality Hospital in Nagpur Hospitals in Nagpur Sujata said that they are not accepting the notes of bigger denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1000/-. She claimed that based on the official Government Gazette, it is mandatory only for the Government run hospitals and pharmacy to accept the notes of bigger denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1000/-. The private hospitals will have to adhere to the regular rules. However, the administration of Wockhardt Hospitals is ensuring that the patients do not face any problems and difficulties in undergoing treatment. The administration is educating and requesting the relatives, kith and kin to make their payments in notes of smaller denominations.