The central government on Thursday said over the counter exchange of old Rs 500, Rs 1,000 currency notes will be stopped with effect from midnight. Also, the Rs 1,000 notes has been banned from public use from now on including for essential activities listed under the exemptions. The government has also extended the deadline for exemptions, where old Rs 500 notes can be used till 15 December. The government further clarified that foreign tourists will be allowed to exchange foreign currency up to Rs 5,000 per week Following are the list of places where the old Rs 500 notes will continue to be accepted till 15 December: · All government Schools will accept old Rs 500 notes as academic fees up to a limit of Rs 2,000 per student. · Central or state government colleges will also accept fees in cash in old currency notes. · Citizens can now recharge their pre-paid mobile phones in old currency up to a limit of Rs 500 per top-up. · Consumer cooperative stores