Chhattisgarh passes motion supporting demonetisation in Legislative Assembly

Chhattisgarh became the first state in country on Wednesday to pass the motion in Legislative Assembly supporting Central government's move for demonetising Rs 1000 and Rs 500 banknotes.

The motion was passed with a thumping majority after vote division demanded by the opposition Congress, which termed the move to scrap the Rs 1000 and Rs 500 banknotes as "draconian".

On the second day of winter session on Wednesday, the day-long discussion was held on the motion moved by Chief Minister Raman Singh hailing the demonetisation move and expressing its commitment to encourage institutional mechanism for smooth monetary transactions, following which Congress demanded division of votes in the House.

However, the treasury benches comfortably managed to get 41 votes in favour of the motion against 25 votes cast against it.

Answering the discussions on the motion, Singh welcomed the Centre's move to scrap banknotes of Rs 1000 and Rs 500, saying it was a revolutionary step to make the county an economic superpower.

"The decision will control inflation and prices of real estate and others will come down, thereby benefiting the common men," the CM said, adding that anti-national forces are opposing the demonetisation by spreading rumours about it.

Quoting Dr BR Ambedkar, Singh said the dalit icon had stated in 1923 that currency should be demonetised every 10 years for betterment of economy, which shows his far-sightedness.

"It's going to strengthen the national economy and make it more transparent and efficient," he added.

Meanwhile, in order to encourage the small businessmen for using e-payment facilities, Singh announced complete exemption of Value Added Tax on 'Point of Sale Device' (debit/credit card swipe machine).

"This will facilitate e-payment facilities and Chhattisgarh will be able to make its significant contribution in fight against black money," he added.

Earlier, starting discussion over the motion, state unit Congress president Bhupesh Baghel said, "the draconian decision has brought the country to a standstill and caused a huge trouble to common men. Cash is not available in the banks, ATMs. The common man, poor class and small traders are bearing the brunt of demonetisation."

He said as many as 16 persons across country, including one in Chhattisgarh, have died over demonetisation. "Who is responsible for all these?" he asked.