Indelible ink to identify those who've exchanged notes multiple times

The government will ink fingers of people queuing up to exchange notes, just as in elections, to identify people who exchange notes multiple times, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das told newspersons on Tuesday.

A ministry official elaborated that plans are afoot to put a small mark of indelible ink on the right hand finger of those exchanging Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes for new ones from Wednesday to prevent crowding at banks.

"Ideally, the ink mark should have been put on the left hand as is done when a person casts his vote. But with by-elections due in some states, it has been decided to put the ink mark on the right hand," he said.

The government is also closely monitoring the Jan Dhan accounts with deposits above Rs 50,000 following reports that many were using the accounts – opened by mostly the poor – to park illegal incomes. He also rubbished rumours that the pink colour on the Rs 2,000 note was running. He said all genuine currency, including Rs 100 notes, would bleed some colour because of the nature of the ink. "When you rub a piece of cotton with a note, if it doesn't leave some colour, it is a sign that the note is fake."

In the meantime, the currency shortage continued to hit the common man forcing many to stand in serpentine queues. The government said they are augmenting supplies so that people could get enough cash for their needs. Banks in Mumbai also began dispensing notes in denomination of Rs 500 besides the Rs 2,000. Many ATMs are also expected to be recalibrated by the week-end.