Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Nov 23:

A Central team which is on a visit to Odisha today reviewed the post-demonetization scenario in the state at the State Secretariat here and deliberated on strategies to address problems faced by the people thereof.

demonetization-meeting

The Central team while appreciating steps taken by the state government in handling the situation arising after demonetization of high-value currency notes, assured at the meeting to apprise the Central government on the situation.

The meeting deliberated on execution of demonetization in the state and difficulties faced by the people.

“Today we discussed on the post-demonetization scenario with all senior officials. We conducted a review. We came to know that this scheme has been welcomed by all though some difficulties exist. The state government has taken very good steps to remove these difficulties. Especially, distribution of old age pension amounting to Rs 1, 00040 crore on November 15 is worth praising. Still some difficulties exist and we have discussed on what measures will be taken to address them. We have also devised some strategies. Accordingly, we are going to submit our report to the Central government,” informed Suresh Vashist Joint Secretary in the department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, a member of the Central team.

The state government while admitting that the situation had eased a little in urban areas said that difficulties existed in rural areas and requested the central team for more supplies of Rs 500 and Rs 100 in these areas.

Special Secretary Finance informed that as per the decision taken at the State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) meeting, the SBI has agreed to engage self-help groups (SHGs) in banking operations.

Moreover, at the meeting, the state government stressed upon the Central team to look into the issues pertaining to payments to farmers through cooperative societies and PACS during paddy procurement.

“They have discussed the problems faced in rural areas after demonetization. According to RBI, other bank officials and our own field inputs, there has been little improvement in the situation in urban areas but the problem is in the rural areas. We have requested the Central team and the RBI to deliver more supplies of currency notes of lower denomination like Rs 100 and Rs 500,” informed Ashok K Meena, Special Secretary Finance.

The meeting was attended by Central team members Suresh Vashist and Sourav Jain, Reserve Bank of India officials, other bank officials, state Special Secretary Finance and other officials.