Ratan Tata, one of the most respected business figures in India and the chairman of Tata Trusts, has drawn attention to the practical difficulties faced by ordinary citizens in dealing with the ongoing currency exchange program.
Tata, who was one of the first business leaders to extend a hand of friendship to Narendra Modi when he was the chief minister of Gujarat, said the government should think of special measures, especially for those facing hardship in getting medical help.
Though the government has asked hospitals not to refuse old 500 and 1000 rupee notes, there are several reports of patients facing such issues.
Here is the full text of Ratan Tata’s statement on Demonetization:
“The present note ban implementation is said to be causing great hardship to the common man, particularly relating to medical emergencies, major surgical interventions and the procurement of medication at many hospitals in smaller towns across the country. Hardship is also being experienced by the poorer people due to the shortage of cash to meet the daily household needs for food.
While the Government is doing its best to increase the availability of new currency notes, it may be worthwhile to consider special relief measures similar to those employed at times of national calamities to serve the poorer segment of the population for their daily needs and for enabling emergency healthcaref medical treatment in smaller hospitals. Such emergency measures will be greatly appreciated by the distressed segment of the population as it would exhibit that the Government cares and has not forgotten the needs of the common man at this moment of transition during the implementation of such an important demonetization program.”