Rs 1000 & Rs 500 currency notes can be used to pay utility bills till Nov 14

New Delhi, Nov 12 (KNN) The existing exemptions with regard to acceptance of Rs.500 and Rs.1,000 currency notes has been extended till 14th November, 2016 for making payments such as for court fees, payment of current utility bills, payment in toll plazas.

Considering various representations received from different quarters in the matter, it has now been decided that the existing exemptions may be extended until the expiry of 14th November, 2016.

The modifications / additions to the existing exemptions are payment for court fees will be included in the exemptions; ID proof of customers will be required for transactions in consumer cooperative stores; payments towards utility bills will be restricted to only individuals / households for arrears and / or current bills.  No advance payments will be allowed; and Payments in toll-plazas of the State and National Highways will be deleted  from exemptions, considering that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is separately issuing instructions in this regard.

In a release, the Finance Ministry said, “While cancelling the legal tender character of the existing series of high denomination bank notes of Rs.500 and Rs.1,000 denominations w.e.f. the expiry of the 8th November, 2016, exemptions were allowed for certain transactions for the first 72 hours with a view to minimizing inconvenience to the public.  Subsequently, based on feedback received from various quarters, certain more transactions were included for exemption.”

It said there is enough cash with RBI.  Supply of cash to Bank branches and ATMs are being stepped up gradually.