Gujarat police have been directed to extend help to such in managing the huge rush in banks today.
Anticipating a huge rush in banks which are reopening today following scrapping of high value currency notes, the Gujarat police have been directed to extend help to such institutes in managing the crowd.
A high-level meeting between representatives of banks and top government officials, including Additional Chief Secretary (Home) MS Dagur, was held in Gandhinagar on Wednesday to discuss the overall arrangements for today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Tuesday night announced demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes as part of his government's clampdown on black money, corruption and counterfeiting.
The meeting was held to assess the readiness of both banks and the government to handle people who would rush to banks in large numbers to withdraw money in the wake of sudden demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes, an official release stated.
The state has assured people that all necessary arrangements have been made by banks as well as the government to ensure hassle-free transactions.
Additional DGP (Law and Order) Tirth Raj said banks will be given police bandobast upon request to handle possible chaos.
"Police personnel will do patrolling in areas where banks are situated. We have asked our men to be prepared to handle any situation. Upon request, police will reach any bank and help the management to control crowd. Our focus is to avoid any confrontation," said Mr Raj.
The government has also issued advisories for authorities to make sure that no citizen faces hardship due to shortage of cash, especially smaller denomination currency notes.
As per the release, the government has asked all hospitals (including private ones) not to deny treatment to patients if they do not have money. Hospitals are also asked not to demand cash upfront, and instead accept payments through cheques, credit or debit card.
In another decision, the government will not levy any interest on unpaid bills of essential services such as drainage, water, electricity and gas connection. This relief will remain in effect till November 24.
Banks will reopen today so that public can tender their now invalid Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.
They can deposit any amount of the invalid currency in their bank account till December 30 and also exchange them for lower banknotes at special counters at banks and post offices till November 24 but with a limit of Rs 4,000 per day.