PANJIM: Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar held meetings with divisional managers of all banks including local, nationalized and private banks and reviewed their preparedness for Thursday, when banks will be opened to accept transactions and exchange Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. Banks informed the Chief Minister that as per RBI directions they will work extra hours and put additional counters to facilitate customers.
Addressing media persons late Wednesday night, Parsekar asked people not to be panic. “I have directed banks not to be harsh towards customers and ensure there are no untoward incidents. Police will be deployed at various points to ensure safety,” Parsekar said in presence of Chief Secretary RK Srivastava. The Chief Minister also held meetings with bureaucrats and directions have been issued to mamlatdars, collectors and deputy collectors to take stock of the situation every hour. “At the end of the day, I will take a review meeting,” he added.
Asked about the problems faced by tourists, the Chief Minister said that he does not see major problems as most tourists carried credit or debit cards. “I don’t think this will have any impact on revenue or tourism sector,” he added. Meanwhile, Srivastava said that those who do not have bank accounts but want to exchange currency, would be asked to open bank accounts. “Those accounts linked with KYC will have no limit on deposits while those without KYC will have a limit of Rs 50,000 per day,” he said adding customers would be able to exchange up to Rs 4000 per day.
