Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has expressed strong disapproval of the recent decision by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) permitting banks to raise ATM cash withdrawal charges above the complimentary monthly thresholds. Stalin denounced this move as ‘institutionalised extraction’, warning that it could have detrimental effects on financial inclusion. He emphasized that the increased charges would disproportionately impact the economically disadvantaged, especially those reliant on schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The Chief Minister cautioned that this decision could potentially hinder the ability of the underprivileged to access banking services and essential government programs. The criticism from Stalin comes in the context of concerns raised by various quarters regarding the potential ramifications of the RBI’s decision on the accessibility of financial services to marginalized communities. The move has sparked a debate on the broader implications for socio-economic equity and the government’s commitment to promoting financial inclusion. The disapproval from a prominent political figure like Stalin adds to the growing chorus of voices calling for a reevaluation of the policy in order to safeguard the interests of the vulnerable sections of society.