SHILLONG, Nov 24 - After a brief lull, people once again queued before SBI ATMs to get their hands upon the new Rs 500 currency notes, which were dispensed here today for the first time.
Most heaved a sigh of relief with today�s development after days of anxiety with currency changes being in short supply.
�This is a great relief for the public and would reduce the crisis in getting currency change. It would be even better if the daily withdrawal amount is increased so that we don't have to stand in queues daily�, Phiba, a State Government employee said after getting the new currency for the first time.
Others too waited in queues right up to evening. �After today hopefully things would normalise and people would be able to carry out their normal transactions�, TSB Lenser, a local, said.
The new Rs 500 notes have been made available in select SBI ATMs which have been calibrated. The new currency is yet to be distributed to Post Offices and private banks. Officials said the new currency was also made available at SBI branches in different district headquarters.
SBI employees� workload has, meanwhile, increased with the arrival of the new notes. Employees were seen working late into the evening.
Bank officials assured that there would be no shortage of the new currencies in the days to come. On the other hand, Chief Secretary KS Kropha is holding a review meeting on the present situation this evening with officials that includes senior Post Office officials.
