Khandu and Kutty discussed the demonetisation impact in Arunachal

Itanagar

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Mr Pema Khandu and Mr M M Kutty is Additional Secretary, Economic Affairs, Govt of India,  today discussed the impact of demonetisation in the state.

Due to liquidity crunch, there is serious shortage of money especially the small denomination notes. However, in 10-15 days the situation will improve as more money will be made available in all denominations, the Additional Secretary assured.

Mr Kutty urged the state government to spread awareness on demonetisation especially in remote areas of the state. Words must reach every individual to deposit their old notes by December 30 or they may exchange old notes at designated offices of the RBI by March 31, 2017.

As people have now started to visit banks in large number, Mr Kutty advised the state government to use the opportunity to open more banks and ATMs in the state, especially in all sub-divisional level to bring more people under the bank coverage.

To spread awareness on demonetisation, the Chief Minister informed that all Deputy Commissioners will be instructed to relay a 15-minute Radio talk in every local dialect for 3-4 days. Also he called for an outreach programme to be organised by the respective Deputy Commissioners.

Informing on the current situation in the state in the aftermath of demonetisation, Mr Khandu said that despite the rush in banks and ATMs, there has been no law and order problems reported. Also informing on frauds likely to take place on account of tribal people being exempted from taxes, he expressed concern that people from outside the state could use their bank accounts to deposit money in huge amount. So he urged the Income Tax department to trace all such accounts that deviates from its normal account history and pattern.

To cover more number of people under banking services, Smt Shakuntala Gamlin, Chief Secretary, suggested that ASHA workers in remote villages can be deputed to work as banking correspondence by opening customer service point (CSP). Also fair price shops, shopkeepers, gaon-burahs and Political Interpreters can be encouraged to work as banking correspondence, Ashish Kundra, Commissioner (finance) added.

Further to ensure no financial hurdles in development works, the Chief Secretary said that an interim arrangement be made to allow cash flow for labour payment engaged in construction activities who are mostly the daily wage workers.