Himachal CM seeks relaxation in exchanging old currency

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Thursday urged the central government to permit the state-run Kangra Central Cooperative Bank and Jogindra Central Cooperative Bank to accept the demonetised Rs 500 and 1,000 notes in the interest of the people.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said both the banks were operating in six districts, largely serving people in remote areas, and they were suffering after the ban on the old currency.

"If the facility of acceptance of specified bank notes in the accounts of the customers of both the banks is not made available, they would face extreme difficulty," said the letter.

The Chief Minister said there was resentment among the account holders of these banks as they were not able to replace the old currency, resulting into hardships in their day-to-day life.

The Chief Minister was among the first political leaders who hailed the government decision to demonetise the high-value currency notes, calling it a "bold step" to fight corruption.

--IANS

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