NT NETWORK
PANAJI
Even as people of state are facing problems due to non-acceptance of Rs 10 coins in many places, the RBI-Goa office on Tuesday, clarified that the currency is legal tender and cannot be refused by any person.
Several shopkeepers and restaurants are refusing to accept the coins on rumours of them being fake or next in line for demonetisation. However, RBI officials said that all the Rs 10 coins in circulation are valid currency.
“There is no truth to the rumors being spread about the Rs 10 coins,” said Meenakshi Seshagiri, deputy general manager, RBI, Goa. She added that the rumours are far-fetched and even the local RBI office has received letters from concerned citizens about it.
Residents are complaining of difficulties in making payment with Rs 10 coin while purchasing vegetables and daily provisions. Sneha Naik from Caranzalem said that the shopkeeper in Panaji market refused to accept the coins for a packet of milk. Shopper Ashok Raut said that the cashier in the Sahakar Bhandar outlet in Junta House along 18th June Road declined to take the coin and asked a note.
“Numerous shops around Panaji market refused my coin after scrutinising it,” said a student commuter. He said that efforts to palm off the coin to the bus conductor also proved to be difficult. On the other hand, Udupi hotel owner in Panaji market area, said, “I am refusing the coin because customers are not taking it.”
“Depositing the coins in the bank is troublesome because the cashier says that it takes time for counting,” said a shopkeeper.
Many designs of Rs 10 coins are in circulation and recently the RBI central office clarified that none of these coins are invalid. The RBI further mentioned that coins including pictures of Sherawali, Jehangir Bhaba, Parliament, Mahatma Gandhi are valid and if anyone refuses to take these coins then it will be a matter of treason.
The coins are not being accepted by many vegetable vendors and small-time shopkeepers in Panaji market. A shop owner said that rumours of the Rs 10 coin being replaced are strong. “It started after demonetisation and people are saying that it will be replaced by plastic money.”
In November 2016, it was said that the coin has been declared invalid resulting in a spate of rejections. However, the RBI asked people “not to give importance to canards and accept the Rs 10 coin for all transactions.”