Demonetisation:AP sets up helpline,panel to deal with problems

Andhra Pradesh Government is constituting a committee headed by the Chief Secretary to take required steps to help people overcome the problems, if any, in the wake of demonetisation of high value currencies.
"The committee will also have the DGP in it to monitor daily the issues related to the transition to a new system. The Government will take all steps to help people overcome problems in the interim," Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said here this evening.
"I am also speaking to the District Collectors and SPs to take steps to ease out the problems. There is sure some problem for small traders and common people because of the sudden change but for the long-term benefits, we have to bear the short-term problems," he remarked at a press conference.

The Government is opening help desks in all districts and also at the state command control centre in Vijayawada to help people exchange notes, Chief Secretary S P Tucker said.
A toll-free number - 1800 599 1111 - has also been opened to receive calls from people regarding exchange of notes and resolve problems related to the demonetisation of high value currencies, he added.
The Government's decision came after a lot of complaints were received through the day about the problems people faced at highway toll plazas, railway stations, petrol pumps and other places in using high denomination notes.

Political parties should also educate people in this regard, the CM said.

"Abolition of high denomination notes is going to give a boost to the nation. Financial crime will go, human trafficking and terror funding will also be eliminated. It will control prices and alleviate poverty. Overall, it will be very useful to the society," Naidu said.
He said the Centre's move would boost financial inclusion and also digital literacy. "It will go a long way in enhancing the country's image."
Expressing reservation over the move to introduce a new Rs 500 note and a Rs 2000 bill, the Chief Minister said the Centre should take the cleansing (of black money from system) to its logical conclusion.

"The Government should concentrate on cyber security and step up surveillance to ensure safe cashless and online transactions," Naidu suggested.