Punjab: With the winter wedding season in full swing, a sharp shortage of freshly issued Rs 10 and Rs 20 notes has sparked frustration across several districts of Punjab, where residents say small currency has become both scarce in banks and shockingly expensive on the open market.
Although banks maintain that their stock of low-value notes is limited, locals allege that crisp bundles of the same denominations are being openly sold at inflated prices by middlemen. This has led to growing suspicion of internal collusion, with community members claiming that some bank employees are quietly enabling the parallel trade.
Villagers and town residents report making repeated trips to branches, only to return empty-handed. Yet, in nearby markets, traders are said to be offering Rs 1,000 worth of Rs 10 notes at markups of Rs 300–Rs 400. Similarly, packets of Rs 20 notes—normally valued at Rs 2,000—are allegedly selling for Rs 2,400 to Rs 2,500.
Families preparing for weddings say the shortage is proving particularly stressful. Smaller denominations are widely used in Punjabi wedding customs for rituals, tips, and gifting, making the current crunch especially disruptive. Several social activists have warned that the crisis is enabling black marketers to take control of the currency flow, leaving ordinary citizens at a disadvantage.
Community leaders have demanded a formal investigation into the alleged involvement of banking staff, insisting that any malpractice must be dealt with swiftly. They have urged state authorities and the Reserve Bank of India to ensure fair and transparent distribution of small notes and to issue clear directives to branch managers to prevent further misuse.
For now, public anger continues to simmer as the demand for small currency rises and official supply struggles to keep pace.
