11th November 2016
 
To,  All Members, 
 
Dear Friends, 
 
Sub:  Problems being faced by the tour operators and foreign tourists due to withdrawal of bank note of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000
 
You are aware that bank notes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 are presently being accepted at ASI Monuments, petrol pumps, railway stations, airlines etc. However, the same will be accepted till midnight today. 
 
Looking into the problem of insufficient supply of new currency, we have requested the Hon’ble Minister to request the Ministry of Finance to accept old notes till 17th November 2016 or till the time sufficient supply of new currency is available. A copy of letter written to Hon’ble Minister is placed below for your information.
 
We shall further update you in case of any development. 
 
With regards, 
 
Pronab Sarkar
President 
 

 
10th November 2016 
 
Dr. Mahesh Sharma
Hon’ble Minister for  Tourism and Culture
Ministry of Tourism
Government of India
New Delhi 
 
Hon’ble Minister Sir,
  
Sub: Problems being faced by the tour operators and foreign tourists due to withdrawal of bank note of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000
 
On behalf of the entire tourism industry, I would like to thank you and your office for very timely help in allowing payment at ASI monuments through cash with old bank notes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000. 
 
I would like to bring into your notice, few of the other issues, which tourism industry is facing in operation of business. We request your kind and urgent intervention on the following issues beyond 11 November 2016 (midnight):-
 
1. Foreign tourists who had converted foreign exchange to INR, are now not able to spend due to RBI Rules. They now want to convert it back to their own currency but this limit is Rs. 5000 only. They should be allowed to exchange whatever Old Indian currency is left with them to their own currency. This should be allowed through any bank including banks at the airport by producing valid exchange documents. Foreign tourists should not suffer due to the new policy and should not feel cheated. Hence this is very important. 
 
2. Old currency of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 should be allowed to be accepted till 17thNovember 2016 at the petrol pumps. This is required because there is a limit of Rs. 10000 a day and Rs. 20000 a week for withdrawal by check/withdrawal slip for new currency. Coaches which are going on long outstation trips will find it difficult to operate as drivers need to carry sufficient cash for filling up of petrol/diesel.  
 
3. Old currency of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 should be accepted by the state governments for Road Tax and also for toll tax till 17th November 2016 atleast or till the time situation becomes normal.
 
4. At all the ASI Protected monuments, Credit/Debit swipe machines to be installed immediately. Till the time Debit/Credit Machines are installed, old currency should be accepted at the ASI monuments till 17th November 2016 or till the time sufficient supply of new currency is available. 
 
The above issues are needs to be considered on its merit and the keeping in mind the inconvenience of operation tourism business.
 
Thanking you and with best regards, 
 
Sincerely, 
 
Pronab Sarkar
President