In several markets across Bhilai-Durg, including the prominent Power House Vegetable Market, vendors are refusing to accept coins of 1 and 10. They claim that while they are willing to accept the coins, customers are reluctant to take them for reasons that remain unclear. Despite ample availability of coins ensured by the government, this issue persists, causing inconvenience to both businesses and consumers. According to a vendor from the Power House Market, the root of the problem lies with customers who refuse to accept coins of 1 and 10, despite their status as legal tender. This situation has created challenges for the business community and the general public alike. Interestingly, this selective non-acceptance of coins is not observed in departmental stores or other retail establishments dealing with provisions and goods.

 

It’s worth noting that the issuance of one rupee notes and coins falls under the purview of the Ministry of Finance, as stipulated by Section 22 of the Reserve Bank of India Act. While the Reserve Bank of India has the authority to issue currency notes of various denominations, excluding the one rupee note, the Ministry of Finance handles the issuance of one rupee notes and coins, which bear the signature of the Finance Secretary. The refusal to accept legal tender is a violation, and there should be penalties for such actions. In the capital city of Raipur, similar issues arise with the non-acceptance of Rs 10 coins by the business community. Despite assurances, district authorities have yet to take decisive action on this matter.

 

Even banks have reiterated that Rs 10 coins must be accepted as legal tender, as they continue to issue these coins upon request. The refusal to accept either Rs 1 or Rs 10 coins constitutes a violation of directives. According to a senior bank official, individuals who do not accept these coins may face criminal charges, including sedition under IPC Section 124A. Mukesh Rawte, SDM, Bhilai informed that it being a legal tender no one could refuse as it amounts to a punishable offence and immediate action will be initiated in case of complaint. He assured to co-ordinate the developments with Bhilai Chamber of Commerce for sorting out the issue.