Demonetisation-Like Long Queues Seen Outside Bank In Gujarat's Mehsana, Here's Why

An unexpected rush of residents was witnessed in Gujarat’s Mehsana area on Tuesday, November 18, where serpentine queues outside an Urban Cooperative Bank revived memories of the post-demonetisation months. The unusual crowd had gathered not in response to any major policy announcement but for a far simpler reason, the distribution of freshly printed Rs 10 notes.

Acting on RBI’s directive, the bank had set up a special day-long camp to issue new notes and small-denomination coins. The response, however, far exceeded expectations, with hundreds of people lining up from early morning. The bank premises remained abuzz throughout the day as residents waited patiently for their turn.

Bank officials said the camp was organised to address the shortage

of lower-denomination currency frequently reported by local traders and households. Over the course of the drive, the bank issued 140 bundles of new Rs 10 notes amounting to Rs 14 lakh. It also distributed 70 bundles of Rs 20 notes and coins worth nearly Rs 3 lakh in denominations of Rs 2 and Rs 5. Each visitor was handed one bundle of notes along with a packet of coins.

The exercise began at 10 am and continued until evening, drawing a steady flow of residents who cited various reasons for turning up – daily household expenses, children’s needs, upcoming weddings and the difficulty of finding clean, usable small notes in circulation.

Bank manager Mukeshbhai Patel said the camp followed RBI instructions in letter and spirit and was aimed solely at easing currency availability.