The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently issued new guidelines concerning ₹100 and ₹500 denomination banknotes. These measures aim to enhance security features, curb the circulation of counterfeit currency, and ensure the public’s ability to authenticate genuine notes.
Enhancements in ₹500 Banknotes
The ₹500 note, a widely circulated denomination, has undergone significant updates to bolster its security and usability. The base color is stone gray, with dimensions of 63 mm x 150 mm. It features Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait centered on the front and an illustration of the Red Fort on the reverse side. Security features include a watermark of Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait and the numeral “500” visible when held against light.
The security thread shifts color from green to blue upon tilting, while optically variable ink makes the denomination “₹500” change color from green to blue when viewed from different angles. Microlettering with the text “RBI” and “500” is visible under magnification, and intaglio printing of Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait, the Ashoka Pillar emblem, and other inscriptions assist the visually impaired. These enhancements are designed to make it easier for the public to distinguish genuine notes from counterfeits.
Updates to ₹100 Banknotes
The ₹100 note has also been updated to incorporate advanced security features. The base color is lavender, with dimensions of 66 mm x 142 mm. It displays Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait on the front and an image of Rani ki Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) on the reverse. Security features include a watermark of Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait and an electrotype “100” visible when held against light.
The security thread shifts color from green to blue upon tilting. Microlettering reading “RBI,” “भारत,” “INDIA,” and “100” is visible under magnification, while intaglio printing of Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait, the Ashoka Pillar emblem, and other inscriptions aid the visually impaired. These features are intended to enhance the note’s security and facilitate easier identification.
Identification Tips for the Public
To ensure the authenticity of ₹100 and ₹500 notes, the public is advised to examine security features, use a light source to check for watermarks and security threads, feel the texture of raised prints, utilize magnification to detect microlettering, and observe color-shifting elements by tilting the note. If a counterfeit note is suspected, it should be reported to the nearest bank branch or law enforcement authorities promptly.
RBI’s Clean Note Policy
In addition to enhancing security features, the RBI continues to promote its Clean Note Policy, which encourages the public to avoid stapling or writing on notes to maintain their integrity and longevity. The policy also advises the exchange of soiled or damaged notes at any bank branch for clean ones. This policy aims to ensure that only clean and high-quality notes remain in circulation, thereby improving the overall currency management system.