Govt hospitals, petrol pumps must accept Rs 1500, Rs 1000 notes or face action: Secretary Economic Affairs

Secretary Economic Affairs, Shaktikanta Das on Friday gave strict instructions to petrol pumps and government hospitals to accept demonetised currency of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination till midnight on Friday. Any demand of commission or rejection at these places would invite serious action, he announced through a series of tweets. The central government on Nov 8 banned the currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 from immediate effect to fight black money and corruption, barring their limited use in emergency services till November 11.  

"Govt hospitals must receive old 500 & 1000 notes upto midnight tonight (Friday). Any refusal will invite serious action," he tweeted. 

He also announced, "Petrol/diesel bunks must accept old 500 & 1000 notes upto midnight tonight (Friday). Any refusal will invite serious action."

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Reacting over the reports of scuffles and illegal activities at petrol pumps in view heavy rush at the fuelling stations, Secretary Economic Affairs said that 'demand of commission by Petrol/diesel bunks is illegal and will invite very serious action.'

He, however, suggested people to fil their tanks for Rs 500 or Rs 1000 so that they do not have to go through any hassle for change. "In Petrol/diesel bunks customers have the choice of filling upto full 500 or 1000 rupees.Can avoid problems of getting back the change," he tweeted.