Demonetisation: Tourists won't face hardship, says Goa CM

Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said the demonetisation of high value currency notes will not affect tourists who have arrived in the coastal state.

"Alike other people, the tourists can convert upto Rs 4,000, and usually they avail the facilities using credit cards. The inconvenience will be only for a day. From day after today, they can withdraw from ATMs," Parsekar told reporters.

The CM held a meeting with officials of administration as well as banks to review the preparations for tomorrow when banks will start exchanging the scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

Parsekar said the bank officials have been asked to ensure that the customers are serviced promptly, without asking them difficult questions. "I have asked them that the customers should not be left waiting in front of their banks," he added.

In a bid to tackle rush in banks today, the government has decided to deploy police personnel near banks to avoid any law and order issue.

Parsekar said he would review the situation tomorrow evening.

Responding to a query, the CM said he was personally happy with the withdrawal of the Rs 500 and 1,000 notes, which was done to curb corruption, black money and terrorism.

"There are some politicians who have stashed black money in their godowns. They are now having the sleepless nights," he said, adding that the clampdown on black money will also ensure that there is a "cleaner pre-election period".

Assembly elections are due in Goa next year.