India rupees: Chaos at banks after ‘black money’ ban

There have been chaotic scenes outside banks in India, two days after 500 ($7) and 1,000 rupee notes were withdrawn as part of anti-corruption measures.

Some banks ran out of cash. At others police were called in to manage queues of anxious customers hoping to change their savings for legal tender.

The surprise government move is aimed at tackling corruption and tax evasion.

But many low-income Indians, traders and ordinary savers who rely on the cash economy have been badly hit.

Banks were shut on Wednesday to allow them enough time to stock new notes following Tuesday night’s announcement. There are also limits on cash withdrawals from ATMs.

The two notes accounted for about 85% of the cash in circulation.

The BBC’s Geeta Pandey in Delhi says some banks extended working hours to deal with the rush on Thursday, and hired extra temporary staff.

Bank officials told the BBC that they had also brought in extra cash to deal with the situation – things had generally gone smoothly apart from the police having to deal with sporadic fights that broke out among customers.

“I went home for Diwali and my parents gave me money as a gift,” Vijay Karan Sharma from Chhattisgarh, a student at Delhi University, told the BBC. He said he had been standing in line since morning.

“I wish they had a simpler system for students. I desperately need cash to pay my rent and buy books and food.”

How long have people got to change their old notes?

The 500 ($7; £6) and 1,000 ($15; £12) rupee notes are the highest denomination notes in the country and are extremely common in India. Airports, railway stations, hospitals and fuel stations will only accept them until 11 November.

People will be able to exchange their money at banks between 10 November and 30 December.

How much ‘black money’ is there in circulation?

The actual figure is unclear but correspondents say the issue of “black money” – which may have been acquired corruptly, or is being withheld from the tax authorities – is a huge problem. India’s government hopes to flush out tax evaders and make money that is unaccounted for visible for tax purposes. There have been reports of tax raids in many parts of India.