Currency exchange: Armed forces in a fix

With most banks shut across Kashmir and ATMs dysfunctional it has become a challenge for the common man to exchange or deposit old currency notes and it is only worse for those men on call of duty.

Demonetization has hit the common man, political class and entrepreneurs alike. The worst hit, however, seem to be the armed forces, especially those posted in conflict zones. Need for currency exchange has come as more of a burden than shock to personnel of the armed forces posted in conflict zones.

With most banks shut across Kashmir and ATMs dysfunctional it has become a challenge for the common man to exchange or deposit old currency notes and it is only worse for those men on call of duty. "Visiting a bank or ATM while engaging the enemy in a gun battle is not an ideal situation" said an officer. With the government's note stressing on depositors being present in person during transaction, relying on a kin to deposit on behalf of them isn't an option for these men.

With December 30 being the deadline to exchange or deposit old currency notes in banks and ATMs, officers and soldiers of Northern Command especially have a unique problem. Owning to the situation in Kashmir, Northern Command of the Indian Army has cancelled all leave requests apart from a few special cases. No instructions have been given so far on the issue and how the armed forces is preparing to deal with it giving space to more confusion. With the deadline fast approaching and no banking services in their reach, the men in uniform hope that the government makes an exception for them.

OneIndia News