New Delhi: The government today announced another set of measures to ease a massive cash crunch after the sudden currency ban last week. Farmers and families organising weddings have been won the reprieve in the latest announcement.
- The limit for swapping notes at banks has been reduced from Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 2,000 for each person from Friday. Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das said this would give more people a chance to exchange banned Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes.
- The withdrawal limit was raised from Rs. 4,000 just four days ago, a measure that was welcomed by many as it would mean less trips to the bank.
- Families have been allowed a one-time withdrawal of Rs. 2.5 lakh for weddings but only from one account, based on self-declaration. In the wedding season, the notes ban has led to a severe crisis for families who had withdrawn cash in bulk just before the demonetisation.
- Farmers can withdraw up to Rs. 25,000 a week against loans sanctioned to them to buy seeds and fertilisers and credited to their accounts.
- Traders in vegetable wholesale markets can withdraw Rs. 50,000 a week to pay for expenses like wages.
- Rs. 25,000 a week can be drawn from the payment that farmers receive for agricultural produce in form of cheques.
- The time limit for the payment of insurance premium on crop loan has been extended by 15 days.
- Government employees will have the option to draw salary advance in cash.
- The government's sudden decision to pull out the high-valu currency notes from circulation to check black or untaxed money has driven people to wait for hours at banks and ATMs for cash.
- Since November 8, the government has announced more measures to reduce the pressure on people, amid opposition allegations that it was a poorly planned move.