Demonetisation: NRIs protest outside RBI; OCIs, PIOs feel left out
The NRIs, OCIs and PIOs had gathered outside the RBI to get the old currency notes exchanged.
In Short
- NRIs protested outside the RBI, as it refuses to exchange old notes.
- RBI said it will abide by the provisions of the Ordinance.
- The Ordinance has no provision for medical grounds.
Hundreds of non-resident Indians (NRI), Overseas Citizens of India cardholders (OCI) and Persons of Indian origin (PIO) protested outside the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday. The protestors had gathered to exchange old currency notes but were turned away by the RBI staff.
1. A sizeable number of NRIs, OCIs and PIOs, who had gathered outside the RBI at the Parliament Street were disappointed to know they would not be able to exchange their old currency notes.
2. According to the latest Ordinance promulgated by the government, only NRIs who have valid Indian passport and have been living abroad for the last six months are entitled to changing old currency notes.
3. The other two categories - OCIs and PIOs have not been covered in the Ordinance. There is no provision for consideration even on medical grounds for the NRIs.
4. Amit Sharma left India for a marketing job with an Australian company on March 11, 2016 and returned on January 2, 2017. On his return, the custom officials did not provide him any information about the government notification.
5. Sharma said when he reached the RBI with all relevant documents to exchange Rs 12,500 notes, he was turned away without any reason. He said he even tweeted to the RBI and the finance ministry handle but there was no response.
6. Himmat, who worked as a bodied seaman in Merchant Navy until he was relieved of his duty due to spine problem, was also turned away. During demonetisation, he went to Mumbai for treatment and was admitted in a hospital.
7. However, after recovering Himmat went to the RBI on Monday for exchanging notes with all his medical records, but he was told his case will not be considered.
8. As per the Ordinance, if an NRI was present in India between November 8 and December 31, he or she will not be entitled for exchanging of old notes in any circumstances.
9. Himmat said he had all the relevant medical records but they were not taken into consideration. He had to change Rs 15,000 notes.
10. People who had gathered outside the RBI said the larger issue was not the amount but the procedure itself.
11. Few hopeful elderly citizens, who had come from Punjab all the way to Delhi were also seen waiting outside the RBI. But their hopes were dashed when they were told nothing could be done.
12. RBI spokesperson, Alpana Kilawala said the RBI will abide by the provisions of the Ordinance.
13. "In order to avoid inconvenience, people should carefully read the provisions of the Ordinance before approaching the RBI," said the spokesperson.
14. When the agitating crowd swelled up, local police had to be called in to control the situation.
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