Rs 500 and 1,000 notes valid for key utility payments till Nov 24

With banks struggling to cope with rush to get alternative currency, the government has extended use of old defunct Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes for paying household utility bills, fuel, taxes and fees and purchases from co-operative stores till November 24.

While withdrawing Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes from the night of November 8-9, the government had allowed use of the old currency at government hospitals, railway ticketing, public transport, airline ticketing at airports, milk booths, crematoria/burial grounds and petrol pumps for 72 hours.

Also read : PM Modi warns of further action against black money

This list was later expanded to include payments for metro rail tickets, highway and road toll, purchase of medicines on doctor prescription from the government and private pharmacies, LPG gas cylinders, railway catering, electricity and water bills and ASI monument entry tickets.

Also read : Ex-RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan had his ‘reservations’ on the currency ban

As banks struggled to give alternate currency, the deadline was extended by another 72 hours. That deadline was to end at midnight tonight, but has now been extended till November 24, official sources said.

Also read : 10 things you should know about the new 2,000-rupee note

Old currency can also be used for purchases at consumer co-operative stores like Kendriya Bhandar with valid ID proof as also for paying court fee. But payments towards utility bills will be restricted to only individuals or households for arrears and/or current bills. No advance payments will be allowed.

Also read : How will the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 note ban impact your business?

Five days ago, on what seemed to be an ordinary day, when citizens were wrapping up their work and heading home, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had news for the country. In his 40-minute address, the Prime Minister took a firm stand on ending corruption, black money and unauthorised cash flow by banning the Rs 500 and 1,000 denominations. This news made waves throughout India, especially considering the lack of a buffer between the announcement and the implementation.