People point out that unlike in urban India, virtually everything runs on cash in rural areas.
In Siddipet, a small town about 100 kilometres from Hyderabad in Telangana, Yellaiah is worried as his son was sent back from school. "The madam at school did not accept the 500-rupee notes I sent to pay fees and sent him back," he said.
Most private schools here take fees by cash and not cheque. Yellaiah says his son will end up missing his exams this week if he does not arrange for the money.
"If you exchange money, bank will give 2,000 rupee note. But everywhere it is no change, no change, no change. If you come out with the 2,000 rupee note, you have to go back home with it because you can't buy anything with it," he says.
Whether it is a tea stall or the ration shop, being denied what money in their hand can buy is annoying people.
Narsavva, a woman farmer, waves a 2,000-rupee note in the air. "I can only look at it and feel happy because I cannot use it. People won't accept 2,000 rupee, 1,000 or 500 note. Can't buy tea or food or go anywhere."
Yadaiah, an elderly man, gets emotional. "Ration shop also if we want to buy 5 or 10 kg rice, they say, go away, no change. Where should we get the change? How should we eat and live?"
People point out that unlike in urban India, virtually everything runs on cash in rural areas.
Narsa Reddy, former sarpanch in a nearby village points out that it is as though everyone is struck by a sudden emergency and there is no money.
"We are facing lots of difficulties. Even to hire an auto, he will let you ride only if you have the change. For grocery, milk, same story. Those who were fixing marriage alliances have all decided to postpone the wedding," he says.
"Even with a 2000-rupee note in hand, I am like a pauper," is the chorus of the people here, who point out they cannot buy a cup of tea, a meal or even pay for the bus fare to get back home.