The PMO also refused to answer a query on whether views of the Chief Economic Advisor and the Finance Minister were taken before the sudden announcement on scrapping of notes was made, saying the query does not come under the definition of "information" under the RTI Act.
Responding to an RTI query seeking to know the names of officials who were consulted before the decision, it said, "Information sought is not available in the record of this office."
He also wanted to know if the government had considered that introduction of new 2,000 rupee notes will need recalibration of ATMs in the country, besides asking if any officer or minister opposed the decision.
It had also asked about any estimate on record to show what period of time will be required to convert scrapped notes into new ones.
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The definition of information in the RTI Act covers "any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public". authority under any other law for the time being in force".
Finance Ministry the queries related to steps taken by the government to ensure that people do not face problems after demonetisation.
It also transferred the queries to the Economic Affairs wing in connection with the number of new currency notes of Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 which were printed before the announcement to scrap the old notes and all the recorded reasons for the demonetisation.