Centre failed to address hardship of public, says Kerala FM

Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac lashed out at the Union government and said that Centre has "literally" failed to mitigate the hardship faced by the public following its demonetisation move.

"The Union government has literally failed in mitigating the hardship faced by the public following the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes," Isaac said, during his visit to the Kerala pavilion at the India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan, here.

The state finance minister also said that conduct of the trade fair has been badly affected due to inadequate preparation on the part of the Union government.

"The government should immediately come up with measures to resolve the crisis created by it. If ATMs continue to disburse money in ration, the upcoming festive season and New Year would be jeopardised," he added.

Isaac, along with state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, had yesterday apprised Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley about the Sabarimala season which is set to begin from tomorrow and sought assistance in opening bank extension counters at the hill top shrine for the pilgrims.

While stressing that the state government is not against curbing black money, Isaac said that the Centre could have implemented the decision after allowing the exchange of demonetised currency till December 31.

"Such a move could have averted this dire situation faced by the people. Only a small percentage of black money exists in the country and the majority, that remains in the form of gold and land, has been conveniently overlooked by the Union government. And there is no restriction in place for exchange of the demonetised currency through a third person," he said.

"It is high time for the Union government to put an end to this mockery and resort effective and justifiable measures," the minister added.