Demonetisation has inconvenienced people across country: Kerala CM

Centre's demonetisation move has "inconvenienced" people across the country as no "adequate" backup arrangements were made, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said today.

New Delhi, Nov 14: Centre's demonetisation move has "inconvenienced" people across the country as no "adequate" backup arrangements were made, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said today.

"84 per cent of currency which was in circulation has been demonetised. There was no backup for the currencies which was withdrawn. The lapse on the part of Narendra Modi's govt was a grave one that should not have happened from any government at all," Vijayan said.

He was speaking to media persons after opening the Kerala pavilion at the 36th edition of India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan here. Vijayan, who met Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today, also expressed the state's concern over the smooth conduct of the Sabarimala pilgrimage which is set to begin on November 16.

"Sabarimala pilgrimage will start in a few days and we have apprised the Union Finance Minister about the difficulties that pilgrims would face due to demonetisation. The minister has agreed to open extension counters of banks at Sabarimala," he added.

He said that people were suffering across the nation because of lack of planning by the Union government. Vijayan made it clear that his government is not against curbing black money but was against the steps which cause hardship to common people.

"We are not against curbing black money. But taking steps which ultimately affects the common people of the country is not something we are in favour of.

This decision was taken much earlier. But the common man was unaware and it caused trouble," he said. The Chief Minister and state Finance minister Thomas Issac during their meeting with Jaitley pushed for service cooperative banks and state's treasury be given the status of banks.

"Such a status has already been given to district banks," he added. The Chief Minister inaugurated the Kerala Pavilion which showcase the digital potential of the state. Of the sixty stalls at the Kerala pavilion, 19 are by various government departments showcasing the digital initiatives and 27 are by private parties.

The state's pavilion has been arranged with over 50 stalls which would help the visitors to get familiar with the State's culture, lifestyle, handicrafts, cuisine and many more.

PTI