The ATM rules that are making life in India a total nightmare right now

The move is to curb black money and corruption.
 By 
Sohini Mitter
 on 
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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

India's war against black money has led to several new policies and orders of late, one of which was announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday in his Union Budget presentation in the Parliament.

The country has banned all cash transactions above Rs 300,000 (roughly $4,500) from April 1.

This move follows last year's ban on high-value currency notes that had sucked in 86% of the cash in circulation and sent India's 1.3 billion people into a collective frenzy.

Jaitley's decision is based on a recommendation made by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on black money that was set up by India's apex court.

"The government has decided to accept this proposal. Suitable amendment to the Income-tax Act is proposed in the Finance Bill for enforcing this decision," Jaitley said in his speech.

The Supreme Court had reportedly also wanted “an Act be framed to declare such transactions as illegal and punishable under law."

High-value cash transactions are a common feature, especially in the real estate sector where buyers try to get away with paying lower stamp duty, reports say.

Here are some reactions on the move.

Topics Politics

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Sohini Mitter

India staff at Mashable. Formerly with Forbes India magazine and The Financial Express newspaper.

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