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Several branches offer to photocopy the customer's original ID proof when he/she comes to exchange the old notes for new ones. [Representational Image]Reuters file

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on withdrawal of currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination on Saturday (November 12), as part of its continuing initiative to keep people informed about the changes.

This follows similar communication by the government of India via newspapers on Saturday. Most of the changes pertain to the relaxation on acceptance of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes at select outlets.

The portions marked in bold letters are the additions to the first update issued on November 8 2016.

1. Why is this scheme introduced?

The incidence of fake Indian currency notes in higher denomination has increased. For ordinary persons, the fake notes look similar to genuine notes, even though no security feature has been copied. The fake notes are used for antinational and illegal activities. High denomination notes have been misused by terrorists and for hoarding black money. India remains a cash based economy hence the circulation of Fake Indian Currency Notes continues to be a menace. In order to contain the rising incidence of fake notes and black money, the scheme to withdraw has been introduced.

2. What is this scheme?

The legal tender character of the existing bank notes in denominations of ₹500 and ₹1000 issued by the Reserve bank of India till November 8, 2016 (hereinafter referred to as Specified Bank Notes) stands withdrawn. In consequence thereof these Bank Notes cannot be used for transacting business and/or store of value for future usage. The Specified Bank Notes can be exchanged for value at any of the 19 offices of the Reserve Bank of India or at any of the bank branches of commercial banks/ Regional Rural Banks/ Co-operative banks or at any Head Post Office or Sub-Post Office.

3. Does the scheme apply to pre 2005 banknotes of ₹500 and ₹1000?

Yes the specified banknotes include pre 2005 banknotes in the denominations of ₹500 and ₹1000.

4. How much value will I get?

You will get value for the entire volume of notes tendered at the bank branches / RBI offices.

5. Can I get all in cash?

No. You will get upto ₹4000 per person in cash exchange irrespective of the size of tender and anything over and above that will be receivable by way of credit to bank account.

6. Why I cannot get the entire amount in cash when I have surrendered everything in cash?

The Scheme does not provide for it, given its objectives.

7. ₹4000 cash is insufficient for my need. What to do?

You can use balances in bank accounts to pay for other requirements by cheque or through electronic means of payments such as Internet banking, mobile wallets, IMPS, credit/debit cards etc.

8. What if I don't have any bank account?

You can always open a bank account by approaching a bank branch with necessary documents required for fulfilling the KYC requirements.

9. What if, if I have only JDY account?

A JDY account holder can avail the exchange facility subject to the caps and other laid down limits in accord with norms and procedures.

10. Where can I go to exchange the notes?

The exchange facility is available at all Issue Offices of RBI and branches of commercial banks/RRBS/ Co-operative banks or at any Head Post Office or Sub-Post Office.

11. Need I go to my bank branch only?

For exchange upto 4000 in cash you may go to any bank branch with valid identity proof.

For exchange over 4000, which will be accorded through credit to Bank account only, you may go to the branch where you have an account or to any other branch of the same bank.

In case you want to go to a branch of any other bank where you are not maintaining an account, you will have to furnish valid identity proof and bank account details required for electronic fund transfer to your account.

12. Can I go to any branch of my bank?

Yes you can go to any branch of your bank.

25. I have emergency needs of cash (hospitalisation, travel, life saving medicines) then what I should do?

Till the 14th November 2016, specified banknotes can be used as under:—

(a) for making payments in Government hospitals for medical treatment and pharmacies in Government hospitals for buying medicines with doctor's prescription;

(b) at railway ticketing counters, ticket counters of Government or Public Sector Undertakings buses and airline ticketing counters at airports for purchase of tickets;

(c) for purchases at consumer cooperative stores operated under authorisation of Central or State Governments and the customers shall provide their identity proof;

(d) for purchase at milk booths operating under authorisation of the Central or State Governments;

(e) for purchase of petrol, diesel and gas at the stations operating under the authorisation of Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies;

(f) for payments at crematoria and burial grounds;

(g) at international airports, for arriving and departing passengers, who possess specified bank notes, the value of which does not exceed five thousand rupees to exchange them for notes having legal tender character;

(h) for foreign tourists to exchange foreign currency or specified bank notes, the value of which does not exceed five thousand rupees to exchange them for notes having legal tender character.

(i) for making payments in all pharmacies on production of doctor's prescription and proof of identity;

(j) for payments on purchases LPG gas cylinders;

(k) for making payments to catering services on board, during travel by rail;

(l) for making payments for purchasing tickets for travel by suburban and metro rail services;

(m) for making payments for purchase of entry tickets for any monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

(n) for making payments towards any fees, charges, taxes or penalties, payable to the Central or State Governments including Municipal and local bodies;

(o) for making payments towards utility charges including water and electricity -which shall be restricted to individuals or households for payment of only arrears or current charges and no advance payments shall be allowed.

26. Can I use the Specified banknotes to settle outstanding in my loan account?

Deposits of Specified bank Notes into all types of deposit/loan accounts is allowed subject to CTR/STR reporting.

27. What is proof of identity?

Valid Identity proof is any of the following: Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Voter ID Card, Pass Port, NREGA Card, PAN Card, Identity Card Issued by Government Department, Public Sector Unit to its Staff.

28. Where can I get more information on this scheme?

Further information is available on our website (www.rbi.org.in) and the website of the Government of India (www.finmin.nic.in)

29. If I have a problem, whom should I approach?

You may approach the control room of RBI by email or on Telephone Nos 022 22602201/022 22602944.

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