Overview

Along with Government of India, we are responsible for the design, production and overall management of the nation’s currency, with the goal of ensuring an adequate supply of clean and genuine notes.
The Government of India is the issuing authority of coins and supplies coins to the Reserve Bank on demand. The Reserve Bank puts the coins into circulation on behalf of the Central Government.
In consultation with the Government of India, we work towards maintaining confidence in the currency by constantly endeavouring to enhance integrity of banknotes through new design and security features.

Our Approach

The Department of Currency Management at Central Office, Mumbai, in cooperation with the Issue Departments of the Reserve Bank’s Regional Offices across India oversees currency management. The function includes supplying and distributing adequate quantity of currency throughout the country and ensuring the quality of banknotes in circulation by continuous supply of clean notes and timely withdrawal of soiled notes.
This is achieved through a wide network of more than 4000 currency chests of commercial banks. Currency chests are extended arms of the Reserve Bank Issue Departments and are responsible for meeting the currency requirements of their respective regions.

Our Tools

Four printing presses print and supply banknotes. These are at Dewas in Madhya Pradesh, Nasik in Maharashtra, Mysore in Karnataka, and Salboni in West Bengal.
The presses in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are owned by the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India (SPMCIL), a wholly owned company of the Government of India. The presses in Karnataka and West Bengal are owned by the Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank.
Coins are minted by the Government of India. The Reserve Bank is the agent of the Government for distribution, issue and handling of coins. Four mints are in operation: Mumbai in Maharashtra, Noida in Uttar Pradesh, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.

RBI’s Anti-counterfeiting Measures

Continual upgrades of banknote security features
Public awareness campaigns to educate citizens to help prevent circulation of forged or counterfeit notes
Installation of note sorting machines

RBI’s Clean Note Policy

Education campaign on preferred way to handle notes: no stapling, writing, excessive folding and the like
Timely removal of soiled notes: use of currency verification and processing systems and sorting machines
Exchange facility for torn, mutilated or defective notes: at all branches of commercial banks.

Few initiatives

We have taken several initiatives to improve customer service with regard to banknotes. Some of them are:

Giving incentive to banks for adjudication of cut notes and mopping up of soiled notes

Transferring currency exchange facility to bank branches

Permitting banks to engage the services of Business Correspondents and Cash-In-Transit companies for distribution of notes and coins and ensure last mile connectivity

Withdrawal of old series of banknotes (issued before 2005) keeping in view the standard international practice

Creating ‘Paisa bolta hai’ – an educative micro-site, which includes a film for public awareness about banknotes

Denominations of coins and notes in circulation

Coins in circulation: 50 paise, 1, 2, 5 and 10 Rupee

Notes in circulation: Rs. 5, 10, 20, 50,100, 500 and 1000

Bank notes are legal tender at any place in India for payment without limit.

As per the Indian Coinage Act

Rupee coin (1 and above) can be used to pay /settle any sum.
Paise 50 coin can be used to pay /settle any sum not exceeding Ten Rupees.

Looking Ahead

Focus continues on ensuring availability of clean notes and on strengthening the security features of bank notes. Given the volumes involved and costs incurred in the printing, transport, storage and removal of unfit/soiled notes, the Reserve Bank is evaluating ways to extend the life of bank notes - particularly in lower denominations. We are, for instance, considering issue of Rs. 10 banknotes in plastic.

Legal Framework

Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934