(PTI)
ATMs in some parts of the country continued to remain out of cash today as the government scrambled to rush currency to meet an “unusual spurt in demand” ahead of looming polls. ATMs in cities of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and poll-bound Karnataka were either not operating or showed no cash signs, reminiscent of post demonetisation scene. Some ATMs in the national capital too were reported to be out of service.
The government on its part claimed that the situation was fast improving with over 80 per cent of 2.2 lakh ATMs operating normally today as against 60 per cent yesterday. Officials attributed the “unusual spurt in demand” for payments made for crop procurement and looming elections. Banks, they said, are replenishing cash at ATMs. Also, all the four printing presses are working round-the-clock to print smaller currency notes. Senior finance ministry officials today held video conferences with public sector banks during which they have been asked to replenish ATMs with 500 rupee notes.
