Centre asks states to ensure security to banks, ATMs

The Centre has asked all states to ensure proper security to all banks, ATMs and vehicles transporting cash in the wake of demonitisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes.

The Home Ministry has deputed three officials to be in touch with state governments to ensure security of banks, ATMs and cash transporting vehicles.

The three officials are taking regular feedbacks from the Directors General of Police and the situation in respective states, a Home Ministry official said.

So far no report of any violence or untoward incident has come from anywhere in the country.

"We have conveyed to the states that if they require any assistance, we will provide immediately," the official said.

The central government is expecting the financial situation to be normal in the next four-five days.

Two separate advisories were sent to all states in this regard, the official said.

Chaos and confusion reigned at most banks across the country with harried customers having to stand in winding queues for hours on end for withdrawing or exchanging demonetised notes. Their problems have been compounded with a large number of ATMs being non-functional or getting emptied soon after being replenished.