MUMBAI: With coins and low denomination currency notes worth over Rs 5 crore accumulated at BEST depots every month, the undertaking on Monday decided to offer loose change to citizens in exchange for high denomination currency at any of its 27 bus depots between 9.30am and 4pm.
In the past, BEST would pay part salary to its 32,000 staffers with low denominati-on notes and coins. “Now, they only give Rs 100 and Rs 200 notes as part of salaries up to Rs 11,000,” an employee said.
Senior BEST committee member Sunil Ganacharya said that in January, a bank was appointed to pick up the coins and loose change from the 27 bus depots and deposit in BEST’s account. “It has been eight months and not a single coin has been taken from the depots. As a result, staffers continue to take cash as part of their salary and now the BEST has invited the public to take them in exchange for bigger notes,” Ganacharya said.
