While the rest of the nation is fretting over the 2000 rupee note, our dear Belagavi has its own little quirk to boast about – the utter refusal to accept a measly 10 rupee coin. Yes, you heard that right. In this city, a vegetable vendor might just be willing to take a 2000 rupee note, but heaven forbid you try to pay with a 10 rupee coin. It’s simply too bizarre for words.
Well, well, well, it seems like the Reserve Bank of India has been issuing clarifications left and right, but it looks like the good people of Belagavi just can’t seem to wrap their heads around the fact that a ten-rupee coin is, in fact, a legitimate form of currency.
Business establishments, small traders, and even public transport services are all turning their noses up at the ten-rupee coin, despite the RBI’s best efforts to clear the air. And why, you may ask? Well, apparently there are rumors of fake coins floating around. Because, you know, it’s not like the RBI has measures in place to prevent counterfeit currency or anything.
Meanwhile, in the bustling metropolis of Bengaluru, most hotels and other establishments have no problem accepting the ten-rupee coin, along with its fancy cousin, the twenty-rupee coin. But no, not in Belagavi. They’re too good for that.
The traders are in for a treat! Not only are they dealing with the usual headaches of the market and slow business, but now they can add the absence of ₹ 10 currency notes to their list of woes. How delightful!
One poor trader went to six different banks today, only to be met with the same disappointing response: “Sorry, we have no stock of ₹ 10 currency notes.” Oh, the horror!
But wait, there’s more! The banks do have ₹ 10 coins available, but the traders are too scared to touch them. Apparently, none of their customers are accepting them either.
How inconvenient!
Of course, the traders have no choice but to start using the coins as a change.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reiterated the legal tender status of ₹ 10 coins of different designs. They have noticed that in certain areas, traders and members of the public are hesitant to accept these coins due to concerns about their authenticity.
They have clarified that the coins we put into circulation are minted by mints under the Government of India. These coins have unique features that reflect various themes of economic, social, and cultural values, and are introduced periodically.
As coins have a longer lifespan, coins of different designs and shapes circulate in the market simultaneously. To date, the Reserve Bank has issued ₹ 10 coins in 14 designs, and the public has been informed of their distinctive features through press releases (list appended). All of these coins are legal tender and can be accepted for transactions.
In the past, the Reserve Bank has issued a press release (November 20, 2016) requesting members of the public to continue accepting coins of ₹ 10 denomination as legal tender in all their transactions without hesitation.
Furthermore, they have advised banks to accept coins for transactions and exchanges at all their branches.
As a requirement, all traders are obligated to accept 10 rupee coins.
Our stupid public still don’t accept them
Not only in Belagavi , but in the entire State of Karnataka the Rs 10 coin is not accepted. Why single out Belagavi ?
Very humorously written. Generated quite a few LOL moments.
This was bizarre indeed. How just one city can have such a phobia.
Would love to hear other such fun quirks about Belagavi. Love they city by the way.
In Pondicherry also people are scared off taking Rs 10 coin as if they touched some poisonous item .
It is to be noted the traders refuse to accept Rs 10/- coin as the banks gives flimsy reason they are holding huge quantum thereby the common man is at a loss to hold the coins in Bangalore. It is hoped the State Govt too make an appeal to the public and traders to transact Rs 10 coins as there is scarcity of Rs 10/- notes throughout Bangalore. SINCE more Rs 5/- coins are used for Filter water booths, RBI should release more Rs 5 coins
It is true at Karwar in Karnataka. No body accepts Rs.10 coin since last 3 to 4 years… if u ask them for explanation they just refuse and start arguing. When ever I visit my native place at Karwar I have stopped arguing as it is a unstoppable argument without any end result.
10 rupee coins were not accepted in Karnataka way even three years ago. Coins must remain in circulation and not be collected anywhere, even water dispensers.