Bhubaneswar: In another proactive measure by the Odisha government for the welfare of the people in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak, the state Finance Department on Friday urged Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to ensure availability of sufficient cash in banks and ATMs.
Substantial disbursement from the treasuries will be required to upgrade the healthcare sector, for social protection measures including establishment of isolation centres, payment of ex-gratia and release of old age pension in advance.
Writing to the RBI regional director in Bhubaneswar, the State Finance Department Secretary cum-DIF, PK Biswal said, “Since it is a crucial time, the public may also require more cash in hand. Keeping this in view, it is requested to make available sufficient cash in the currency chests, bank branches, ATM counters across the State to meet the exigencies. It may be ensured that no bank/ATM counter goes without cash in near future.”