Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 9: Soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi stunned the nation with his bold announcement declaring Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes illegal from midnight on Tuesday November 8, people across the country rushed to ATMs as panic struck.
Mangaluru was no different.
ATMs in various parts of the city saw people gathering in long queues to either stock themselves with Rs 100 notes or deposit their Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. However, many were disappointed to find out that the ATMs still dispensed Rs 500 notes, so some resorted to withdrawing Rs 400 at a time and repeating the process until they had the required amount.
The ATMs saw people rushing in especially with the announcement that the machines will not work on Wednesday November 9, and that some may not function even on Thursday November 10. Moreover, initially, after the introduction of new currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 on November 10, ATMs will dispense a maximum amount of only Rs 2,000 a day and the limit will be increased gradually.
Some shops and restaurants in the city have already put up notices stating that will not accept Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, and urging customers to pay in Rs 100 or lesser denominations.
Also, though petrol bunks, hospitals and ticket counters at government buses, airports and railways have been exempted from the ban until November 11, there were reports that some petrol bunks in the city refused to accept these notes.
There was quite a crowd at jewellery stores too, with people looking to make gold purchases with their Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook flooded with jokes and wisecracks on the new announcement by the Modi government. Take a look at these:
"While America counts votes, India counts notes."
"Breaking news - Jayalalithaa wakes up from coma after PM's announcement."
"Anna Hazare planning to change his name to Anna Do-hazare"
"This is a message for those who were criticising PM for being out of the country...if PM stays in the country see what happens!"
"Heavy rush at hospitals. 'Doctor Saheb, kisi bhi cheez ka operation kar do...5-10 lac wala!'"
"A man goes to ATM and smartly punches in Rs 400 for withdrawal. The ATM gives him a Rs 1,000 note. Message on screen - Keep the change."
"At the end of the day, Samsung isn't the only one recalling Notes this year."
"Narendra Modi allowed Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes in hospitals because he knew many people will have heart attack after the news."
"Modi played the 'Trump' card. Poori India 'Hil-lary' hai!'