Prime Minister Narendra Modi's sudden decision to withdraw Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 500 notes from circulation did cause panic in Goa, especially among tourists, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference at his official residencey, Parsekar also said that the district administration and police were all geared up for the re-opening of banks, post the landmark decision by the central government.
He said that all steps had been taken to ensure that there is no law and order situation, even as banks are expected to witness a rush, with customers keen on returning the withdrawn high denomination currency notes.
"There was an inconvenience for tourists today, still from tomorrow they will also get bank access. They can use their credit cards or debit cards also. Even cheques could be used and therefore I don't feel there would be much problem," Parsekar said.
"The latest decision of the central government withdrawing Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes, there was a little panic. But the state is literate state and except for panic, there was no untoward incident. Today, the state administration is fully geared to take care of all situations and handle all possible eventualities when the banks actually start functioning," he said.
The Chief Minister also said, that he had chaired a meeting with bank and police department officials, in view of the re-opening.
"I had called a meeting of all bankers here in Goa and got myself informed by the steps they have initiated, planned for tomorrow. Simultaneously, I have also had interaction of my officers, particularly from the police department and the bank officers, so that in case of any panic or any untoward incident, the help of the administration would be available.
"We have advised the banks, to ensure that they are most co-operative and should not create a situation that would create panic among customers," he said.
--IANS
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