SHILLONG, Nov 9 - Normal life in the Meghalaya capital here was affected due to demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last night. The traffic was thin throughout the day although schools, colleges and government offices were open. There were also less people on the road and the markets.
However, last night after the announcement, there were long queues at ATM booths across the city right up to midnight with people desperately trying to get some Rs 100 denomination currency. Many were left disappointed as the machines dispensed more Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currencies. Others tried to deposit the cash through the cash deposit machines at the booths.
People also lined up at petrol pump stations till midnight and also this morning. However, by afternoon several of the petrol pump stations ran out of small currencies and were only refuelling those who had the change.
�We are short of Rs 100 notes. We are no longer taking Rs 500 or Rs 1000 rupee notes unless customers want a refill of the total amount paid,� one of the petrol pump workers said.
Businesses too were hit and most of the shops are not taking in Rs 500. In the morning, several of the business houses did take Rs 500, however, by evening none were accepting the currencies.
�Most of the sweets will go unsold this evening as we don�t have the currency change for the customers and most seem to be carrying Rs 500 today,� one of the personnel at a popular shop selling sweets said. The otherwise crowded Vishal mart, one of the shopping malls, had few customers. The shopping complex put up a notice that they are no longer accepting Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currencies.
�I had to leave the items I bought as the customer care personnel said the mall wasn�t accepting Rs 500 and I did not have the exact change for the items. They are, however, accepting bank cards,� one of the customers said.
The Teer (gambling through archery) counters did not solicit customers as they do normally. �We are not selling today as much, because it would be difficult to pay the customers back if they win. We just can�t pay say for example Rs 50,000 in Rs 100 rupee notes,� a seller at a Teer counter, said. Several people on the other hand seemed to be confused on the future ahead and how they would be able to exchange their currencies. �Can I deposit my old currencies at any bank with an ID or should it be at the bank where I hold my account,� were some of the questions being asked. However, with banks closed today some of these answers would get some clarity only from tomorrow.
