Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) The Maharashtra government will permit citizens to use the demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes to pay various utility bills and government dues, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Thursday.
"The Government of India accepts the state government's request to further help citizens by allowing Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. One more step by the state government for citizens' convenience," Fadnavis said in a tweet.
He added that all government offices will accept the withdrawn notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 as legal payment to clear dues till Friday, and will work extra hours till late night for this purpose.
Accordingly, a government notification said that all state-owned enterprises, urban-rural local bodies and other departments concerned will remain open till midnight on Friday.
On Wednesday, Fadnavis urged anxious people to not to panic as they will get the demonetised currency replaced, for which a sufficient time period has been given.
He advised people to carry on with their daily routines and not to worry as their money earned through legal means was safe. He also asked them to avoid crowding in banks and ATMs to exchange the cancelled currency notes in their possession.
