Ditched by demonetisation move, consumers of Tangedco block road

At around 10.30 am, the consumers of Tangedco in Tiruchy went to pay off their bills as Wednesday was the last date. However, the employees at the bill counter told them that they will not accept the denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. According to consumers, Tangedco staff did not pay heed to their repeated appeals that power supply to their residences might be terminated due to non-payment of the bill. With no other option left, the consumers attempted to block vehicles on Sastri road. 

“The staff should accept Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes as the collected money is going to be deposited at the corporation’s account. But they said that they were given oral instructions not to accept the denomination,” said, T Ratchagan of Pillaimar street, who led the agitation. On information, the Thillai Nagar police rushed to the protest spot and held talks with the agitating public. Later, the police officials assured the consumers that the Tangedco would not suspend the power supply, after which the protesters dispersed. Meanwhile, the usually busy Gandhi market appeared partially deserted on Wednesday despite the vendors accepted currencies of higher denominations. Vendors said they suffered a loss of Rs 3 crore in one day.