Now, you cannot use the old Rs 500 notes anymore, anywhere

New Delhi: With the government having no plans to extend the exemptions on usage of the old Rs 500 beyond December 15, the currency note is now an invalid legal tender for any usage anywhere.

This means that from Friday, the old Rs 500 note can no longer be used for paying utility bills, school fees and fees in Central or State Government colleges, recharging pre-paid mobiles or anything.

However, the public can still deposit them in their banks account along with the old Rs 1000 notes.

"Exemptions for use of old Rs 500 notes will end on December 15 midnight," Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das tweeted.

Earlier, the government had cut short the deadline of using old Rs 500 notes at railways, bus and metros on December 10 while it was still accepted for school fees and fees in Central or State Government colleges, etc.

Moreover, with effect from December 3, 2016, old Rs 500 notes were banned for purchase of petrol, diesel and gas at the stations operating under authorisation of public sector oil marketing companies and for buying airline tickets at airport counters.

Meanwhile, the government on Thursday said it was now focusing on printing more Rs 500 notes.