RBI and nationalised banks say coins of all denominations are pumped in abundance to Tripura. There should be no shortage particularly of one and two rupee coins, they aver but coin shortage continues to plague the Marxist ruled State. Agartala main office of United Bank of India, United Commercial Bank and State Bank of India, totally suggest a different picture. Since, 2001 the three major banks received Rs 31 lakh 73 thousand in the form of one rupee coins and at the same time the three banks received Rs 38 lakh, 53 thousand as two rupee coins which were distributed not only in Agartala but also throughout the State to phase out the soiled notes. In addition there were coins and notes of Rs five denomination.

Senior Manager, UCO Bank, S Purkayastha when contacted admitted, something is foul and the matter should be investigated as to where the coins go. Absence of coins of Rs one and two not only makes the life hell but one has to pay higher price everywhere “, he feels.

Another bank officer requesting anonymity said there are reports of the coins finding their way into the Bangladesh markets where the one and two rupee coins are the most sought after for their utility in making blades. The Indian coins are made of imported alloys and therefore fetch a better price across the borders. Economist Prof. Arunoday Saha terms this as ‘Grisham’s Law’ in action.

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