Visakhapatnam: Vizagites deposited around Rs 954 crore in various banks since Nov. 10 after the demonetisation of currency was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Around Rs 303 crore have been either withdrawn or exchanged by public in the district since the last four days. Bankers are expecting the deposits may go up in the coming days and they need at least Rs 60 crore per day to keep it available for the public either to withdraw or exchange.

Authorities warned of criminal action if hospitals and the petrol refilling station run by oil companies do not accept Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Special teams are kept ready for surprise checks on hospitals and also those who hoard essential commodities. Criminal cases will be booked against those who do not accept high-value currency notes at hospitals.

There are around 737 banks, belonging to various nationalised and private banks, in the district. Out of the total 1,104 ATMs across the district, only 50 per cent are dispensing cash. “Bankers are giving Rs 2,000 notes easily but imposing restrictions on Rs 100 and Rs 50 notes. We are expecting the situation to ease in another 48 hours as we are expecting such notes in the coming days. We have also advised the banks not to show discrimination towards rural tracts and supply to the rural branches on par with urban areas. Special teams are also ready to conduct surprise checks on hospitals, petrol pumps and also on shops that sell essential commodities,” collector, Pravin Kumar told reporters after conducting a review meeting with the bankers.

The district collector asked the bankers to provide basic amenities to the public visiting banks for exchange of notes and hoped the situation will be back to normal in a couple of days.