Demonetisation: No counter exchange of old Rs 500, 1000 notes from tomorrow- All you need to know

NEW DELHI: The government on Thursday extended the last date for use of the demonetised Rs 500 notes till December 15, doing away with the over-the-counter exchange of cash with immediate effect. "It has been observed that over-the-counter exchange of the old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination has shown a declining trend. It has further been felt that people may be encouraged and facilitated to deposit their old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in their bank accounts," the Ministry said in a statement. "This will encourage people who are still unbanked to open new bank accounts. Consequently, there will be no over-the-counter exchange of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes after midnight of November 24," it added. The following decisions relating to certain operational aspects of the demonetisation scheme have now been taken:

• According to the Ministry of Finance, Rs 1,000 notes would no longer be allowed to be used for the list of exemptions the government had announced. These notes can, however, be deposited in bank accounts.

• The government had earlier permitted various exemptions for certain transactions and activities wherein payment could be made through the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

• "It has been decided that all these exemptions, with the additions and modifications, may be continued for a further period up to December 15," it said.

• The government demonetised Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes on November 8 but provided a number of exemptions where they could be used till November 24.

• The statement on Thursday also expanded the exemptions to include payment of fees up to Rs 2,000 per student in central and state government colleges as well as central government, state government, municipality and local body schools.

• Pre-paid mobile top-up to a limit of Rs 500 per top has been allowed with the old Rs 500 notes.

• The toll-free arrangement for highways will continue till December 2 and thereafter till December 15 users will be allowed to pay tolls with old Rs 500 notes.

• Foreign citizens will be permitted to exchange foreign currency up to Rs 5,000 per week with necessary entries made in their passports.

• Purchase from Consumer Cooperative Stores will be limited to Rs 5,000 at a time and payment of current and arrear dues to utilities will be limited to only water and electricity. This would be available only to individuals and households.