New Delhi, April 17: Allaying fears of currency shortage in the country, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said the government has reviewed the situation and "there is more than adequate currency in circulation".
"Have reviewed the currency situation in the country. Overall there is more than adequate currency in circulation and also available with the banks. The temporary shortage caused by ‘sudden and unusual increase' in some areas is being tackled quickly," Jaitley tweeted.
His tweet came following some reports that ATMs have run out of money in some parts of the country.
Currency shortage was reported in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh in the past few weeks. There were also complaints of shortage in parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Bihar on Monday.
According to Reserve Bank of India data, currency in circulation as on April 6 was Rs 18.17 lakh crore.
Industry experts feel the shortage has been caused because of cash hoarding of the Rs 2,000 currency notes.
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Indian High Commission hosts Pongal festivities for migrant workers in Singapore
Singapore (PTI): The Indian High Commission in Singapore led nearly 1,500 Indian migrant workers in a day-long celebration of Pongal, a major harvest festival, that also marks the beginning of the Tamil month.
High Commissioner Dr Shilpak Ambule and Tung Yui Fai, Chief of the Assurance, Care and Engagement Group in the Ministry of Manpower, joined the celebrations on Sunday, extending greetings and well wishes to the workers at the festival held in the northern Singapore’s industrial district of Sembawang.
“The evening brought together migrant workers, community partners, and volunteers in a vibrant celebration of culture,” said S. Ganesh, lead organiser of Mett.AI which organises events for migrant workers through social networks.
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“Over 50 talented local artists, performing alongside migrant workers, delivered electrifying performances and colourful cultural showcases that captured the essence and vibrancy of India’s harvest festivals,” he said.
More than 110 dedicated volunteers, mostly Indian professionals working in Singapore, helped transform the event into a memorable experience for the workers from India employed by heavy duty construction and marine industries as well as domestic helpers, said Ganesh.
The Sunday evening programme featured live music, traditional performances, yoga and meditation sessions, and a fashion showcase highlighting India’s rich textile heritage and festive traditions.
The celebration, a second edition by the High Commission, is also part of the Pongal-events hosted by the Singapore Indian Heritage Centre on Saturday.
The Heritage Centre activities included Tanjore art paintings, a classic South Indian art for participants to learn key techniques for designing and creating their own Tanjore painting masterpiece.
Dr Ambule informed the migrant workers about consular outreach activities, especially passport renewal camps and asked them to participate widely at the High Commission. He thanked the Manpower Ministry for their support to the workers community and their collaboration with High Commission for the workers’ welfare.
