Farmers in crisis due to demonetisation, says Akhilesh

While addressing the media, Akhilesh asked,''If ATMs don't accept new notes then how do we accept it?.''

New Delhi, Nov 18: Batting for farmers hit by the Centre's sudden demonetisation move, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh on Friday said that the farmers are worst hit and it is not a natural disaster but the one created by the Central government.

While addressing the media, Akhilesh asked,''If ATMs don't accept new notes then how do we accept it?.''"This has been forced by the government knowingly," he said, adding, "They (BJP) have the most knowledgeable persons and if such intelligent people force hardships on people what more can be said," he wondered.

Talking to reporters after presiding over a Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister said, "The meeting was of the opinion that farmers should get relaxation in use of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes...cooperative banks to which farmers are directly linked should get relaxation as money is not promptly reaching bank branches."

"We have also come to know that corruption through new notes has already started. Such reports are surfacing in newspapers and especially on the social media," he said, claiming the goal of unearthing black money and weeding out fake currency notes will not be achieved.

"People will get relief only when markets start functioning properly but till then if farmers and labourers suffer huge losses all the economic statistics will lag behind and so will the country," Akhilesh said, adding it will impact employment, factory workers and daily wagers the most.

"The entire country is today saying that preparations were not made and everything was changed suddenly. If we believe in them (the Centre) and something emerges from a neighbouring country then they will put the country into problems...if there are no proper preparations, it can spell danger to the country," he said. Mandis have come to a "standstill" and soon reports will come how the daily wagers are facing problems, Akhilesh said.

Earlier today, both houses of Parliament were adjourned till noon on Friday minutes after members assembled amid loud protests over the government's demonetisation move.

Also, Akhilesh Yadav had earlier said that economists were of the opinion that black money helped the Indian economy in times of global recession. His remarks came in the wake of the government's sudden decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes in order to curb black money.

OneIndia

(With PTI inputs)