DIBRUGARH, Nov 30 - The dearth of lower denomination currency notes has made it difficult for the people to manage their day-to-day purchases as the newly introduced Rs 2000 notes are not accepted for lack of changes in shops, buses, groceries, hotels, petrol depots, etc.
The banks in the region have become more or less cashless as they do not have currency notes other than the Rs 2000 notes and coins due to lack of supply from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The common people here have been desperately waiting to collect lower denomination currency notes from the banks since the past few days. �The banks have no lower currency notes and this has hit the business hard. We cannot accept Rs 2000 for purchase of Rs 1500 or even higher as we have no lower currency notes for the payment of the remaining balance. Our sales have gone down drastically,� Vikram Gogoi, a petty businessman of Boiragimoth told The Assam Tribune.
Sandeep Bhowal, a shopkeeper in Shantipara here, said his business too has been hampered but he has no regrets. �I do not mind facing these problems for the greater interest of the country. Since I support the demonetization, I will cope with any problem arising thereof,� said Bhowal.
While some have deposited their Rs 2000 notes as advance in their known grocery shops and collecting the required rations as and when required, others are finding it difficult to find shopkeepers who are willing to make such arrangements.
The State Bank of India branch here has admitted that they are left with no lower denominations for disbursal. �We are giving away Rs 2000 notes and coins only. We will be able to disburse lower denomination notes through banks and ATMs probably from December 4,� said Jayanta Kumar Das, Deputy Manager (Cash), SBI, Thana Chariali.