Bank branches in these states likely to remain open for transaction today

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: With Monday being holiday on account of Guru Nanak Jayanti, most of the banks will remain closed for transactions. As a result, the refilling of ATMs is also likely to be affected.

However, states where banks will remain open and will have regular working hours are: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and Haryana.

Government, on its part, is working on a firefighting mode to minimise the impact of its demonetisation drive on the common public.

The Reserve Bank of India has also notified the introduction of the new Rs 500 currency note. Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and SBI have recalibrated some of their ATMs for the new Rs 2000 and Rs 500 notes, and are likely to be tested for a day.

Banks have been asked to ensure that they also keep smaller denomination notes to increase the supply of such notes in the market.

Government has passed instructions to states to maintain separate queues for physically challenged and senior citizens. The services of retired staff are also being utilised.

On early Monday morning, the government announced that over the counter exchange limit of old currency for the new one increased to Rs 4500 from 4000 while daily withdrawal limit of Rs 10000 has been removed.

The withdrawal limit from ATMs has also been increased to Rs 2500 from Rs 2000, and weekly withdrawal limit raised to Rs 24000 from Rs 20000.

Banks and Post Offices have been asked to increase the last mile distribution of small denomination notes in rural areas through mobile banking vans and Banking Correspondents.

If any of the services like hospitals, caterers, tent houses and similar businesses refuse to accept payment in cheques, Demand Drafts or in online payment transfer, customers can make a complaint to the concerned District Magistrates or District Administration for action against such service provider.