(a) whether the Ministry has received any report regarding
the minting of coins by private groups or individuals;
(b) if so, the action taken or proposed to be taken in the matter;
(c) the steps taken by the Ministry to avoid shortage of coins of
various denominations;
(d) whether the Ministry has received any reports regarding
black marketing of coins; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and action taken/proposed
to be taken in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) & (b): This Ministry has not received any such report. However,
the Reserve Bank of India has informed about one such instance in Mumbai.
The matter has been referred to the Commissioner of Police, Mumbai by RBI.
(c): To ensure availability of coins to public, RBI distributes the coins
through its counters at 19 locations as well as through the counters of
various bank branches. In addition, RBI has also engaged the services of
post offices at select locations for distribution of coins on monthly
remuneration. Banks are encouraged to install Coin Vending Machines.
(d) & (e): This Ministry has not received any such report. However,
RBI has informed that in the last one year they have received 7 complaints
in this regard. RBI has informed that their field offices look into such
allegations by making enquiries and taking up with police authorities.