RBI/DCM/2024-25/115
DCM (FNVD)/G4/16.01.05/2024-25 April 01, 2024 The Chairman/ Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer
All Banks Dear Sir / Madam, Master Direction on Counterfeit Notes, 2024 - Detection, Reporting and Monitoring The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, from time to time, issued several guidelines/ instructions/ directives to the banks on Counterfeit Notes. 2. A Master Direction incorporating and updating the extant guidelines /instructions/ directives on the subject has been prepared to enable banks to have all current instructions on Counterfeit Notes at one place for reference. 3. This Direction has been issued in exercise of powers conferred upon RBI under Section 35A and Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. Yours faithfully, (Sanjeev Prakash)
Chief General Manager Encl: As above
Index
Master Direction on Counterfeit Notes, 2024
Detection, Reporting and Monitoring In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 35A and Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) being satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in the public interest to do so, hereby, issues the Directions hereinafter specified. 1. Authority to Impound Counterfeit Notes The Counterfeit Notes can be impounded by:
- All Banks
- Issue Offices of RBI
2. Detection of Counterfeit Notes 2.1 Banknotes tendered over the counter shall be examined for authenticity through machines. Similarly, banknotes received directly at the back office / currency chest through bulk tenders shall also be examined through machines. 2.2 No credit to customer’s account is to be given for Counterfeit Notes, if any, detected in the tender received over the counter or at the back-office / currency chest. 2.3 In no case, the Counterfeit Notes shall be returned to the tenderer or destroyed by the bank branches. Failure of the banks to impound Counterfeit Notes detected at their end will be construed as wilful involvement of the bank concerned in circulating Counterfeit Notes and penalty will be imposed. 3. Impounding of Counterfeit Notes Notes determined as counterfeit shall be stamped as "COUNTERFEIT NOTE" and impounded in the prescribed format (Annex I). Each such impounded note shall be recorded under authentication, in a separate register. 4. Issue of Receipt to Tenderer When a banknote tendered at the counter of a bank branch / back office and currency chest is found to be counterfeit, an acknowledgement receipt in the prescribed format (Annex II) must be issued to the tenderer, after stamping the note as in paragraph 3 ibid. The receipt, in running serial numbers, shall be authenticated by the cashier and tenderer. Notice to this effect shall be displayed prominently at the offices / branches for information of the public. The receipt is to be issued even in cases where the tenderer is unwilling to countersign it. 5. Detection of Counterfeit Notes - Reporting to Police and other bodies The following procedure shall be followed while reporting incidence of detection of Counterfeit Note to the Police: 5.1 For cases of detection of Counterfeit Notes up to four (04) pieces in a single transaction, a consolidated report in the prescribed format (Annex III) shall be sent by the Nodal Bank Officer to the police authorities or the Nodal Police Station, along with the suspect Counterfeit Notes, at the end of the month. 5.2 For cases of detection of Counterfeit Notes of five (05) or more pieces in a single transaction, the Counterfeit Notes shall be forwarded immediately by the Nodal Bank Officer to the local police authorities or the Nodal Police Station for investigation by filing FIR in the prescribed format (Annex IV). 5.3 A copy of the monthly consolidated report / FIR shall be sent to the Forged Note Vigilance (FNV) Cell constituted at the Head Office of the bank. 5.4 Acknowledgement of the police authorities concerned has to be obtained for note/s forwarded to them (both for consolidated monthly statement and for filing of FIR). If the Counterfeit Notes are sent to the police by insured post, acknowledgement of receipt thereof by the police shall be invariably obtained and kept on record. A proper follow-up of receipt of acknowledgement from the police authorities is necessary. In case any difficulty is faced by the banks due to reluctance of the police to receive monthly consolidated statement / file FIRs, the matter may be sorted out in consultation with the Nodal Officer of the police authority designated to coordinate on matters relating to investigation of Counterfeit Notes cases. The list of Nodal Police Stations may be obtained from the concerned Issue Office of RBI. 5.5 In order to facilitate identification of people abetting circulation of Counterfeit Notes, banks are advised to cover the banking hall / area and counters under CCTV surveillance and preserve the recording as per their internal policy. 5.6 Banks shall also monitor the patterns / trends of such detection and suspicious trends / patterns and bring to the notice of RBI / Police authorities immediately. 5.7 The progress made by banks in detection and reporting of Counterfeit Notes to police, RBI, etc. and problems therein, shall be discussed regularly in the meetings of various State Level Committees viz., State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), Standing Committee on Currency Management (SCCM), State Level Security Committee (SLSC), etc. 5.8 The data on detection of Counterfeit Notes by banks shall be included in the monthly returns forwarded to the concerned Issue Office of RBI as indicated in para 10 below. 5.9 The definition of 'counterfeiting' in the Indian Penal Code covers currency notes issued by a foreign government authority as well. In case of suspected foreign currency note received for opinion from the police and government agencies, etc., they shall be advised to forward the case to the Interpol Wing of the CBI, New Delhi after prior consultation with them. 5.10 The Government of India has framed Investigation of High Quality Counterfeit Indian Currency Offences Rules, 2013 under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The Third Schedule of the Act defines High Quality Counterfeit Indian Currency Note. Activity of production, smuggling or circulation of High Quality Counterfeit Indian Notes has been brought under the ambit of UAPA, 1967. 6. Examination of the Banknotes before Issuing over Counters, Feeding ATMs and Remitting to Issue Offices of RBI 6.1 The banks shall re-align their cash management in such a manner so as to ensure that banknotes in the denominations of ?100 and above are not put into re-circulation without the notes being machine processed for authenticity. The said instructions shall be applicable to all bank branches, irrespective of the volume of daily cash receipt. Any non-compliance will be construed as violation of the Directive No.3158/09.39.00 (Policy)/2009-10 dated November 19, 2009 issued by RBI. 6.2 In order to obviate complaints regarding dispensation of Counterfeit Notes from ATMs, and to curb circulation of Counterfeit Notes, it is imperative to put in place adequate safeguards/checks before loading ATMs with notes. Dispensation of Counterfeit Notes through the ATMs would be construed as an attempt to circulate the Counterfeit Notes by the bank concerned. This shall also be applicable to White Level ATM Operators in terms of circular DPSS.CO.OD.No.1916/06.07.011/2018-19 dated March 7, 2019. 6.3 Detection of Counterfeit Notes in chest remittances is also liable to be construed as wilful involvement of the chest branches concerned in circulating Counterfeit Notes and may attract special investigation by police authorities, and other action like suspending the operation of the chest concerned. 6.4 Penalty at 100% of the notional value of Counterfeit Notes, in addition to the recovery of loss to the extent of the notional value of such notes, will be imposed under the following circumstances: a) When Counterfeit Notes are detected in the soiled note remittance of the bank. b) If Counterfeit Notes are detected in the currency chest balance of a bank during Inspection / Audit by RBI. 7. Designating Nodal Bank Officer Each bank shall designate a Nodal Bank Officer, district-wise to serve as the contact point for all Counterfeit Note detection related activities and notify the same to the concerned Issue Office of the RBI and Police Authorities. All cases of reporting of Counterfeit Note detection as indicated in Para 5 shall be done through the Nodal Bank Officer. 8. Establishment of Forged Note Vigilance Cell at Head Office of Bank 8.1 Each bank shall establish at its Head Office, a Forged Note Vigilance (FNV) Cell to undertake the following functions:
- Dissemination of instructions issued by RBI on Counterfeit Notes to bank’s branches/ Currency Chest (CC), monitoring the implementation of these instructions, compilation of data on detection of Counterfeit Notes, and its submission to RBI, Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) and National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) as per extant instructions and follow-up of cases of Counterfeit Notes with police authorities / designated nodal officer.
- Sharing of the information thus compiled with bank’s CVO and report to him / her all cases of acceptance / issue of Counterfeit Notes over the counters.
- Conducting periodic surprise checks at currency chests where shortages / defective / Counterfeit Notes etc. are detected.
- Ensuring operation of Note Sorting Machines of appropriate capacity at all the currency chests / back offices and closely monitoring the detection of Counterfeit Notes and maintaining the record of the same.
- Ensuring that only properly sorted and machine examined banknotes are fed into the ATMs / issued over the counters by putting in place adequate safeguards, including surprise checks, both during the processing and transit of notes.
8.2 FNV Cell shall submit a status report on a half-yearly basis (as at the end of March and September every year), as per the format prescribed in Annex VII, by e-mail, to the Chief General Manager, Department of Currency Management, RBI, Central Office, Amar Building, Fourth Floor, Sir P. M. Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001 (dcmfnvd@rbi.org.in) and to the concerned Issue office of RBI under whose jurisdiction the FNV Cell is functional, within a fortnight from the end of the respective half-year. 8.3 In order to update the record of the addresses of the FNV Cells, the bank shall furnish by e-mail, in the prescribed format (Annex V), the particulars to the Chief General Manager, Department of Currency Management, Reserve Bank of India and to the concerned Issue office of RBI under whose jurisdiction the FNV Cell is functional, by 15th of April, every year. 9. Provision of Devices Facilitating Detection of Counterfeit Notes 9.1 With a view to facilitate the detection of Counterfeit Notes, all bank branches / identified back offices shall be equipped with ultra-violet lamps / other appropriate banknote sorting / detection machines. In addition, all currency chest branches shall be equipped with verification, processing and sorting machines and shall be used to their optimum capacity. Such machines shall conform to the guidelines on 'Note Authentication and Fitness Sorting Parameters' prescribed by the RBI from time to time. 9.2 The banks shall maintain a daily record of the notes processed through the Note Sorting machines, including the number of counterfeits detected. 9.3 The banks shall also consider providing at least one counting machine (with dual display facility) for public use at the counter. 10. Reporting of Data to RBI / NCRB / FIU-IND 10.1 By FNV Cells of banks Data on Counterfeit Notes detected by all branches and currency chests of the bank shall be compiled and reported by FNV Cell of the concerned bank to the Issue Office of RBI under whose jurisdiction the FNV Cell is functional. The reporting shall be made in the format (Annex VI) on monthly basis, by 7th of the following month. In case, no counterfeit note has been detected during the month, a “Nil” report shall be sent. 10.2 Under Rule 8 (1) of Prevention of Money Laundering (Maintenance of Records) Amendment Rules, 2013, Principal Officers of banks shall report information on cash transactions where Counterfeit Notes have been detected to FIU-IND, by the 15th day of the succeeding month, by uploading the information on the FINnet Portal. Similarly, data on Counterfeit Notes detection shall be uploaded on the web-enabled software of NCRB, New Delhi on their website. 11. Preservation of Counterfeit Notes Received from Police Authorities 11.1 Counterfeit Notes received back from the police authorities/courts shall be carefully preserved in the safe custody of the bank and a record thereof be maintained by the branch/ CC concerned. FNV Cell of the bank shall also maintain a branch/CC-wise consolidated record of such Counterfeit Notes. 11.2 These Counterfeit Notes at branches/CCs shall be subjected to verification on a half-yearly basis (on 31st March and 30th September) by the Officer-in-Charge of the bank concerned. They shall be preserved for a period of three years from the date of receipt from the police authorities. 11.3 Counterfeit Notes, which are subject matter of litigation in the court of law shall be preserved with the branch/CC concerned for three years after conclusion of the court case. 11.4 After the preservation period, such notes shall be sent to the concerned Issue Office of RBI under whose jurisdiction the branch/ CC is functional, with full details of the case. 12 Detection of Counterfeit Notes - Training of Staff 12.1 It is necessary to ensure that the cash handling staff in banks are fully conversant with the security features of a banknote. 12.2 With a view to educating the branch staff on detection of Counterfeit Notes, the design and security features of all the banknotes shown in Annex VIII have been supplied to all the banks with instructions to display them prominently at the branches for information of the public. Details of security features of the New Design banknotes of ?2000, ?500, ?200, ?100, ?50, ?20 and ?10 are available at the link https://paisaboltahai.rbi.org.in. 12.3 The Controlling Offices / Training Centres shall also organise/conduct training programmes on the security features of genuine Indian banknotes for all bank personnel handling cash to enable detection of Counterfeit Notes at the point of receipt itself. These trainings shall cover detection, impounding and reporting of Counterfeit Notes. RBI will provide faculty support and training materials, whenever necessary.
Annex ICounterfeit Banknote Stamp Each banknote, which on examination of various security features / parameters, is determined as a counterfeit one, shall be branded with a stamp "COUNTERFEIT BANKNOTE". For this purpose, a stamp with a uniform size of 5 cm x 5 cm with the following inscription may be used.
COUNTERFEIT BANKNOTE IMPOUNDED
BANK
BRANCH / CURRENCY CHEST
NAME OF THE BANK
SIGNATURE
DATE |
Annex IIAcknowledgement Receipt to be Issued to the Tenderer of Counterfeit Notes Name of the Bank:
Address: Serial Number of the Receipt: ________
Date: __________ The note(s) described below received from……………………………. (Name and address of the tenderer) is/are counterfeit and has/have therefore been impounded and stamped accordingly.
Serial number of the note deemed as counterfeit | Denomination | Parameters on which the note is deemed as counterfeit |
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Total number of Counterfeit Notes: (Signature of the Tenderer) (Signature of the Counter Staff) (Official Seal)
Annex IIIConsolidated Monthly Report to the Police Date: _____________ Name of the Bank:
District:
Name and Address of the Nodal Bank Officer:
Ref. No.………… The Inspector of Police
___________Police Station, Consolidated Report for the month of ________ Detail of Counterfeit Notes:
Date of detection | Name of branch / currency chest | Details of tenderer | Denominations / pieces / serial numbers | Security features breached | Unique Reference Number (URN) generated by the NCRB Portal |
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2. The Counterfeit Notes are enclosed for information and necessary action. 3. Kindly acknowledge receipt. Yours faithfully, Authorised signatory
Official Seal
Encl:
Annex IVRequest for FIR to the Police Date: _____________ Name of the Bank:
District:
Name and Address of the Nodal Bank Officer:
Ref. No.………… The Inspector of Police
___________Police Station, Dear Sir, Detection of Counterfeit Note/s – Request for investigation We enclose the following Counterfeit Notes detected in our office on ________. The details of the Counterfeit Notes are furnished below.
Denomination / Number of pieces | Serial number of Counterfeit Note | Notional Value | Details of tenderer | Name & address of the branch /currency chest where detection took place | Bank’s Entry No. | Unique Reference Number (URN) generated in the NCRB Portal |
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2. As the printing and/or circulation of Fake Indian Currency Notes is an offence under Sections 489A to 489E of the Indian Penal Code, we request you to lodge FIR and conduct the necessary investigation. In case, it is decided to file criminal proceedings in the court of law, you may first arrange to send the notes to any of the Note Printing Presses, Forensic Science Laboratories, etc. in terms of the provisions of Section 292(1) and 292(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure for examination. The expert opinion furnished may be produced in the court as evidence under Section 292 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The forged notes may please be returned to us after the completion of the investigation and/or proceedings in the court of law along with the detailed report of the investigation / decision of the court. 3. Please acknowledge receipt. Yours faithfully, Authorised Signatory
Official Seal
Encl:
Annex VParticulars of Forged Note Vigilance Cell (FNVC) To RBI
NAME OF THE BANK | ADDRESS OF FNVC (WITH PIN CODE) | NAME AND DESIGNATION OF OFFICER-IN-CHARGE | TELEPHONE NO (WITH CODE). | MOBILE NO | E-mail Address of the FNVC |
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We note to intimate immediately the changes, if any, in the particulars furnished above. Name of Authorised Official:
Designation
Date: NB: The completed format, in MS-Excel, shall be transmitted by e-mail to dcmfnvd@rbi.org.in and to the concerned Issue Office of RBI under whose jurisdiction the FNV Cell is functional, by 15th April every year.
Annex VIMonthly Report to RBI Issue Offices on Counterfeit Notes Date: _______________ Name of the Bank:
Address of FNV Cell:
Name and Designation of officer-in-charge:
Telephone No:
Email ID: Counterfeit Banknotes detected in the bank during the month
(To be reported by 7th of following month) A. Details of Counterfeit Notes detected:
Denomination wise number of pieces |
Name of
the
branch | Add-ress
of the
bra nch | Bra nch
code | District | State | Zone in which branch is located (East/ West/ North/ South) | Type of
dete ction | ?2 & ?5 | ?10 (Old) | ?10 (New) | ?20 (Old) | ?20 (New) | ?50 (Old) | ?50 (New) | ?100 (Old) | ?100 (New) | ?200 | ?500 (Old- SBN) | ?500 (New) | ?1000 (Old-
SBN) | ?
2,000 | Total
num ber |
| | | | | | FIR
(No. of pieces) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Non FIR
(No. of pieces) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Total A | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name
of the
Currency
Chest | Add-ress
of the
Curr ency
Chest | Curr ency Chest
code | District | State | Zone in which CC is located (East/ West/ North/ South) | Type of
dete ction | ?2 & ?5 | ?10 (Old) | ?10 (New) | ?20 (Old) | ?20 (New) | ?50 (Old) | ?50 (New) | ?100 (Old) | ?100 (New) | ?200 | ?500 (Old- SBN) | ?500 (New) | ?1000 (Old- SBN) | ?
2,000 | Total num ber |
| | | | | | FIR
(No. of pieces) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Non FIR
(No. of pieces) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Total B | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Grand Total
(A+B) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
B. Details of FIR cases filed with police:
| Pending with Police at the
beginning of the month
(Cumulative Total) | Sent to Police during the month | Returned by the Police during the month | Pending with the Police at
the end of the month
(Cumulative Total) |
No. of cases* where FIR was filed | | | | |
Total pieces of Counterfeit Notes involved in all the cases of FIR | | | | |
* Each FIR lodged comprises one case. (Signature)
Name & Designation of the Authorised Official
Official Seal Forwarded to: - The General Manager/Deputy General Manager, Reserve Bank of India, Issue
Department, ____________
Annex VIIReport on activities of FNV Cell - Half Year ended March/ September Name of the bank: Address of FNV Cell: Name and designation of officer-in-charge of FNV Cell: Telephone No: Email ID:
Sr. No. | Particulars | Details |
1. | Total number of branches | Metro | Urban | Semi Urban | Rural | Total |
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2. | Total number of currency chests (CCs) | | | | | |
3. | No. of branches under CCTV surveillance | | | | | |
4. | No. of CCs under CCTV surveillance | | | | | |
5. | No. of branches where Note Authentication Machines (NAMs) are installed | | | | | |
6. | No. of CCs where Note Sorting Machines (NSMs) are installed | | | | | |
7. | Whether the NSMs are adequate to process all notes received at each CC as per prescribed timeline? | |
8. | Whether all CCs maintain record of notes processed through NSMs and the counterfeit notes detected by them? | |
9. | Whether information on counterfeit notes detected during the month is reported to RBI by 7th of the succeeding month? |
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10. | Whether information on counterfeit notes detected during the month is uploaded on FIU-IND portal (FINnet) by 15th of the succeeding month? |
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11. | Whether information on counterfeit notes is uploaded on NCRB portal on monthly basis? |
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12. | Whether the instances of acceptance/issue of counterfeit notes over the counter in branches or CCs reported to the Chief Vigilance Officer of the concerned bank? | | |
13. | No. of cases pending with police authorities where FIRs have been filed. |
Cases pending with Police authorities at beginning of FY | Cases sent to Police authorities during the FY | Cases received from Police authorities during the FY | Cases pending with Police authorities at the end of the FY |
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14. | Whether the pending FIR cases at branches/ CCs, have been followed up with police authorities/ designated Nodal Police officer?
The dates of such correspondence made by FNV Cell with Police authorities may be furnished. | | |
15. | Whether significant number of FICNs are detected in any CC/ branch during the reporting period?
If so, whether the FNV Cell had conducted any surprise check in those branches/ CCs? Furnish details. |
Name of CC | Date of surprise check | Findings in brief |
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16. | Mechanism in place to ensure that only properly sorted and machine examined banknotes are fed into the ATMs/issued over the counter | | |
17. | No. of complaints received regarding dispensation of counterfeit notes from ATMs/ over the counter |
No. of complaints pending at the beginning of HY | |
No. of complaints received during the HY | |
No. of complaints disposed of during the HY | |
No. of complaints pending at the end of the HY | |
| |
(Signature)
Name & Designation of the Authorised Official
Official Seal
Annex VIIIDesigns of Bank Notes Issued by the Reserve Bank of India since 1967
Year | Size | Watermark | Front | Back |
I. ?10 notes | | |
1967 | 137 x 63 mm | Ashoka Pillar | Purple colour. Numeral 10 in the centre. | Value of the note in 14 languages. The oval seascape with country craft. |
1968 | -do- | -do- | Blue-black colour. Promise clause, guarantee clause and signature printed in bilingual. | -do-
RBI’s name in Hindi added. |
1969 | -do- | -do- | Blue Black colour. ‘Ten Rupees’ instead of ‘Rupees Ten’. | Mahatma Gandhi’s Portrait. |
1970 | -do- | Ashoka Pillar with spinning wheels. | Hindi version of RBI incorporated in place of English and vice versa. Hindi rendering of Guarantee clause, promise clause and Governor’s signature have been interchanged. ??????? ???? incorporated. Watermark window and numbering panel enlarged. | Bilingual seal incorporated |
1975 | -do- | -do- | Dark brown, umber and blue colour. Numeral ‘10’ printed in dark brown. Intaglio printing. Languages scroll on left and Ashoka Pillar emblem on right. | Pale brown, Ochre blue and green colour. A circle with two Peacocks on branch of a tree. Deer, horses, bird and lotus. |
1992 | -do- | -do- | Overall colour scheme in pale pink, magenta and yellow | Shalimar garden |
1996 | -do- | Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi with multidirectional lines in the watermark window. | Overall colour scheme in mauve brown, orange and pink. Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi. Embedded security thread containing the words '???? RBI’ readable on both sides when held against light. | Intricate guilloche and floral patterns with profiles of an elephant, rhinoceros and tiger’s faces. Value of note in 15 Indian languages. |
2006 | -do- | The portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, the multidirectional lines, and an electrotype mark showing the denominational numeral 10 appear in this section and these can be viewed better when the banknote is held against light. | Machine readable windowed demetalised clear text magnetic security thread with inscriptions 'Bharat' (in Hindi) and RBI which fluoresces in yellow on both sides under UV light. (Generic).
Width: 1.4 mm
Dual coloured optical fibres.
The small floral design printed both on the front (hollow) and back (filled up) of the note in the middle of the vertical band next to the Watermark has an accurate back-to-back registration so that the numeral appears as one when seen against the light. | Year of printing is incorporated at the printing stage on the reverse of the banknote. |
2011 | -do- | -do- | -do-
In addition, ? symbol was introduced on the obverse of the banknote, on the top left and top right corner (along with the denominational numeral). | The banknotes will continue to have year of printing on the reverse. In addition, ? symbol was introduced on the reverse of the banknotes, on the top left and top right corner (along with the denominational numeral). |
2016 | -do- | -do- | -do-
In addition, the numerals in both the number panels of these banknotes will be in ascending size from left to right, while the first three alphanumeric characters (prefix) will remain constant in size | |
2018 | 123 mm x 63 mm | ?10 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series having Mahatma Gandhi portrait and electrotype (10) watermarks | The base colour of the note is Chocolate Brown. The note has other designs, geometric patterns aligning with the overall colour scheme, both at the obverse and reverse.
See through register with denominational numeral 10 Denominational numeral ?? in Devnagari, Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at the centre, Micro letters 'RBI', ‘???? ', ‘INDIA' and '10', Windowed demetalised security thread with inscriptions ‘????’ and RBI, Guarantee Clause, Governor's signature with Promise Clause and RBI emblem towards right of Mahatma Gandhi portrait, Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right, Number panel with numerals growing from small to big on the top left side and bottom right side. | The new denomination has motif of Sun Temple, Konark on the reverse, depicting the country's cultural heritage. Year of printing of the note on the left, Swachh Bharat logo with slogan, Language panel, Denominational numeral ?? in Devnagari. |
II. ?.20 notes |
1972 | 147x
63mm | Ashoka Pillar | Saffron colour. Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right and language panel on the left side. | Bold lettering in Hindi appears centrally in a horizontal panel, flanked by figures 20 at the corner. Picture of Parliament House. On the left value in Indian languages. |
1975 | -do- | Small Ashoka Pillar with chain of spinning wheels. Resin treated paper | Red, blue, mauve and pale yellow colour. Numerical 20 in dark mauve on a light yellow lotus shaped design. Language scroll on the left and Ashoka Pillar emblem on right. The printing bleeds off on all sides but not in corners, which are paper white. Bilingual names, clauses and signature. | Dry offset printing. Red, blue and mauve colour. Chariot wheel of Konark Sun temple at the centre. Watermark window in pale blue is surrounded by an ornamental design in perfect register with corresponding design on obverse of the note. |
2001 | -do- | Mahatma Gandhi Portrait | The security thread totally embedded with the letters "Bharat" (in Hindi) and "RBI" The colour is predominantly reddish orange. The Ashoka Pillar has been replaced by the Mahatma Gandhi's Portrait in dark red while the Ashoka Pillar has been shifted to the left side bottom corner and the size is smaller. The numeral 20, RBI seal, Mahatma Gandhi's Portrait, RBI Legend, Guarantee and Promise clauses, Governor's Signature and Ashoka Pillar inset are in intaglio. The words RBI and the numeral 20 in Micro letters appear alternatively behind the Mahatma Gandhi's Portrait. An identification mark by way of a small vertical rectangle in raised form appears on the left side of the note to facilitate the visually impaired to identify the denomination of the note. The numbers in the number panel are printed in red. | The central theme depicts the Indian coastal line with coconut grooves. The value of the note appears in 15 languages in a vertical panel in the left hand side. |
2006 | -do- | The portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, the multidirectional lines, and an electrotype mark showing the denominational numeral 20 appear in this section and these can be viewed better when the banknote is held against light | Machine readable windowed demetalised clear text magnetic security thread with inscriptions 'Bharat' (in Hindi) and RBI which fluoresces in yellow on both sides under UV light (Generic).
Width: 1.4 mm
Dual coloured optical fibres.
The small floral design printed both on the front (hollow) and back (filled up) of the note in the middle of the vertical band next to the Watermark has an accurate back-to-back registration so that the numeral appears as one when seen against the light. | Year of printing is incorporated at the printing stage on the reverse of the banknote. |
2012 | -do- | -do- | -do-
In addition, ? symbol was introduced on the obverse of the banknote, on the top left and top right corner (along with the denominational numeral). | The banknotes will continue to have year of printing on the reverse. In addition, ? symbol was introduced on the reverse of the banknotes, on the top left and top right corner (along with the denominational numeral). |
2016 | -do- | -do- | The numerals in both the number panels will be in ascending size from left to right while the first three alpha-numeric characters (prefix) will remain constant in size.
The numeral “20”, RBI seal, Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait, RBI legend, Guarantee and promise clause, Governor’s signature, Ashoka Pillar emblem which were hitherto printed in intaglio (raised printing) are now being printed in offset (without any raised printing).
Further, rectangular identification mark on the left of the banknote has been removed.
While there is no change in the colour at the reverse, the colour at the obverse is lighter (due to removal of intaglio printing).
The vertical band on the right side of the Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait hitherto contained a latent image showing the denominational numeral “20”.The latent image was visible only when the banknote was held horizontally at eye level.
This feature is no longer present. | -do- |
2019 | 129x
63mm | ?20 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series having Mahatma Gandhi portrait and electrotype (20) watermarks | See through register with denominational numeral 20. Denominational numeral ?? in Devnagari. Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at the centre. Micro letters 'RBI', ‘???? ', ‘INDIA' and '20'. Windowed demetalised security thread with inscriptions ‘????’ and RBI. Guarantee Clause, Governor's signature with Promise Clause and RBI emblem towards right of Mahatma Gandhi portrait. Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right. Mahatma Gandhi portrait and electrotype (20) watermarks. Number panel with numerals growing from small to big on the top left side and bottom right side. | Year of printing of the note on the left. Swachh Bharat logo with slogan. Language panel. Motif of Ellora Caves. Denominational numeral ?? in Devnagari. |
III. ?50 notes |
1975 | 147x
73mm | Ashoka Pillar with chain of wheels. | Mauve colour with hues of blue green and purple. Numeral 50 in dark brown. Language scroll on left and Ashoka Pillar emblem on right. Printing bleeds off on all sides except at corners. | Mauve, brown and yellow colours. Parliament House at the centre. Watermark window in pale mauve, surrounded by an ornamental design, which is in perfect register with corresponding design on the obverse. |
1981 | -do- | -do- | Intaglio-fast blue, yellow red. Ashoka Pillar and languages in deep violet colours, rest in deep green and brown colours. ??????? ???? below Ashoka Pillar emblem. | Dry offset-yellowish brown and body in deep purple colour. Parliament House with National flag on top |
1997 | -do- | Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi with multidirectional lines in the window. | Yellow, blue and violet colour. Ashoka Pillar replaced by Mahatma Gandhi Portrait in blue. Security thread totally embedded inside the note the letters ‘????’ and 'RBI’. A small black solid square on the left hand side of the watermark to help the visually impaired to identify the denomination of the note. | A panoramic view of India’s Parliament House with floral patterns above and filigree patterns on the sides. The value of the note in 15 Indian languages. |
2005 | -do- | The portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, the multidirectional lines, and an electrotype mark showing the denominational numeral 50 appear in this section and these can be viewed better when the banknote is held against light | Machine readable windowed demetalised clear text magnetic security thread with inscriptions ‘Bharat’ (in Hindi) and RBI which fluoresces in yellow on both sides under U.V.light –width 1.4 mm. The Intaglio Printing i.e. raised prints is more prominent in the name of the Bank in Hindi and English, the Reserve Bank Seal, guarantee and promise clause, Ashoka Pillar Emblem on the left, RBI Governor’s signature. A square in intaglio on the left of the watermark window with increased depth of engraving helps the visually impaired to identify the denomination. Optical fibres are in dual colour. The small floral design printed both on the front (hollow) and back (filled up) of the banknote in the middle of the vertical band next to the watermark window has an accurate back-to-back registration so that the numeral appears as one when seen against the light. | Year of printing is incorporated at the printing stage on the reverse of the banknote. |
2012 | -do- | -do- | -do-
In addition, ? symbol was introduced on the obverse of the banknote, on the top left and top right corner (along with the denominational numeral). | The banknotes will continue to have year of printing on the reverse. In addition, ? symbol was introduced on the reverse of the banknotes, on the top left and top right corner (along with the denominational numeral). |
2015 | -do - | -do- | -do-
In addition, the numerals in both the number panels of these banknotes will be in ascending size from left to right, while the first three alphanumeric characters (prefix) will remain constant in size | -do- |
2016 | -do- | -do- | The numeral ‘50’, RBI seal, Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait, RBI legend, Guarantee and promise clause, Governor’s signature, Ashoka Pillar emblem which were hitherto printed in intaglio (raised printing) are now being printed in offset (without any raised printing).
Further, square-shaped identification mark on the left of the banknote has been removed.
While there is no change in the colour at the reverse, the colour at the obverse is lighter (due to removal of intaglio printing).
The vertical band on the right side of the Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait hitherto contained a latent image showing the denominational numeral ’50’. The latent image was visible only when the banknote was held horizontally at eye level.
This feature is no longer present. | -do- |
2017 | 135 mm x 66 mm | ?50 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series having Mahatma Gandhi portrait and electrotype (50) watermarks | The base colour of the note is Fluorescent Blue.
See through register with denominational numeral 50, Denominational numeral ?? in Devnagari, Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at the centre, Micro letters ‘RBI’, ‘????’, ‘INDIA’ and ‘50’, Windowed demetalised security thread with inscriptions ‘????’ and RBI, Guarantee Clause, Governor’s signature with Promise Clause and RBI emblem towards right of Mahatma Gandhi portrait, Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right, Mahatma Gandhi portrait and electrotype (50) watermarks, Number panel with numerals growing from small to big on the top left side and bottom right side. | Year of printing of the note on the left, Swachh Bharat logo with slogan, Language panel, Motif of Hampi with Chariot, Denominational numeral ?? in Devnagari. |
IV. ?100 notes |
1967 | 157x
73mm | Ashoka Pillar | Blue colour. Numeral 100 appears prominently in centre. Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right. | Vertical panel of 14 Indian languages on left. Hirakud Dam in the background in a circular frame. |
1969 | -do- | -do- | Blue colour and promise clause, Guarantee clause and Governor's signature in bilingual. | Picture of Mahatma Gandhi in a sitting posture with Sevagram Ashram in the background in a circular frame. |
1975 | -do- | Ashoka Pillar with spinning wheels. | Intaglio deep blue with hues of blue, brown, pink and dark green. Numeral 100 in dark blue. Watermark window light blue. RBI's name, promise clause, Guarantee clause and Governor's signature in bilingual. Language scroll on left and Ashoka Pillar emblem on right. Printing bleeds off on all sides except at corners. | Intaglio deep blue and brown shade of corn, agricultural operations, Tea plantation and hydroelectric power project. ‘Watermark’ window is surrounded by an ornamental design, which is in perfect register with similar design on the obverse. |
1979 | -do- | -do- | One side intaglio blue, red and deep green, Tints of reddish and yellowish green shade. ??????? ???? below Ashoka Pillar emblem. | Dry-offset. Black and maroon colours. Tint design in greenish blue and brownish shades. |
1996 | -do- | Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi with multidirectional lines in the watermark window. | Printed with the combination of offset and intaglio process. overall colour is predominantly blue, grey and green. Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi. A windowed security thread partly visible from the front but totally embedded inside. Letters ‘????’ and ‘RBI’ printed on the thread.
A small black solid triangle in intaglio on left hand side of the watermark to help the visually impaired to identify the denomination of the note. | Central theme depicts a panoramic view of the Kanchangunga range with floral patterns above and filigree patterns on the sides. The value of note appears in 15 languages on the left hand side. |
2005 | -do- | The portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, the multidirectional lines, and an electrotype mark showing the denominational numeral 100 appear in this section and these can be viewed better when the banknote is held against light. | Machine-readable windowed demetalised clear text magnetic security thread with inscriptions ‘Bharat’ (in Hindi) and RBI on notes of Rs.100 with exclusive colour shift. Colour of the thread shall shift from green to blue when viewed from different angles. It will fluoresce in yellow on the reverse and the text will fluoresce on the obverse under U.V.light –width – 2 m.m.
The Intaglio Printing i.e. raised prints is more prominent in the name of the Bank in Hindi and English, the Reserve Bank Seal, guarantee and promise clause, Ashoka Pillar Emblem on the left, RBI Governor’s signature. A triangle in intaglio on the left of the watermark window with increased depth of engraving helps the visually impaired to identify the denomination. Optical fibres are in dual colour. The small floral design printed both on the front (hollow) and back(filled up) of the banknote in the middle of the vertical band next to the watermark window has an accurate back to back registration so that the numeral appears as one when seen against the light. | Year of printing is incorporated at the printing stage on the reverse of the banknote. |
2011 | -do- | -do- | -do-
In addition, ? symbol was introduced on the obverse of the banknotes, on the top left and top right corner (along with the denominational numeral). | The banknotes will continue to have year of printing on the reverse. In addition, ? symbol was introduced on the reverse of the banknotes on the top left and top right corner (along with the denominational numeral). |
2015 | -do- | -do- | -do-
In addition, the numerals in both the number panels of these banknotes will be in ascending size from left to right, while the first three alphanumeric characters (prefix) will remain constant in size.
In addition, easy to identify markings for visually impaired in the form of four angular bleed lines on both left and right of the obverse side of banknotes. Increase in size of the identification mark (triangle) by 50 per cent. | -do- |
2018 | 142 mm× 66 mm | ?100 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series having Mahatma Gandhi portrait and electrotype (100) watermarks | See through register with denominational numeral 100.Latent image with denominational numeral 100. Denominational numeral ??? in Devnagari. Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at the centre. Micro letters ‘RBI’, ‘????’, ‘India’ and ‘100’. Windowed security thread with inscriptions ‘????’ and RBI with colour shift; Colour of the thread changes from green to blue when the note is tilted. Guarantee Clause, Governor’s signature with Promise Clause and RBI emblem towards right of Mahatma Gandhi portrait. Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right. Mahatma Gandhi portrait and electrotype (100) watermarks. Number panel with numerals in ascending font on the top left side and bottom right side. For visually impaired intaglio or raised printing of Mahatma Gandhi portrait, Ashoka Pillar emblem, raised triangular identification mark with micro-text 100, four angular bleed lines both on the right and left sides. | Year of printing of the note on the left. Swachh Bharat logo with slogan. Language panel. Motif of RANI KI VAV. Denominational numeral ??? in Devnagari. |
V. ?200 Notes – Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series |
2017 | 146 mm × 66 mm | ?200 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series having Mahatma Gandhi portrait and electrotype (200) watermarks | The base colour of the note is Bright Yellow. The note has other designs, geometric patterns aligning with the overall colour scheme, both at the obverse and reverse.
See through register with denominational numeral 200.
Latent image with denominational numeral 200.
Denominational numeral ??? in Devnagari.
Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at the centre.
Micro letters ‘RBI’, ‘????’, ‘India’ and ‘200’.
Windowed security thread with inscriptions ‘????’ and RBI with colour shift. Colour of the thread changes from green to blue when the note is tilted.
Guarantee Clause, Governor’s signature with Promise Clause and RBI emblem towards right of Mahatma Gandhi portrait.
Denominational numeral with Rupee Symbol, ?200 in colour changing ink (green to blue) on bottom right.
Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right.
Number panel with numerals growing from small to big on the top left side and bottom right side.
For visually impaired, Intaglio or raised printing of Mahatma Gandhi portrait, Ashoka Pillar emblem, raised Identification mark H with micro-text ?200, four angular bleed lines with two circles in between the lines both on the right and left sides | Motif of Sanchi Stupa on the reverse, depicting the country’s cultural heritage.
Year of printing of the note on the left.
Swachh Bharat logo with slogan.
Language panel.
Denominational numeral ??? in Devnagari. |
VI. ?500 notes – Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series |
2016 | 150 mm x 66mm | Mahatma Gandhi portrait and electrotype (500) watermarks | Issued in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series, the new ?500 banknotes are different from the earlier specified bank note (SBN) series in colour, size, theme, location of security features and design elements.
The colour of the note is stone grey.
The orientation and relative position of the Mahatma Gandhi portrait has changed.
Denominational numeral ??? in Devnagari
The banknote also has features (intaglio printing of Mahatma Gandhi portrait, Ashoka Pillar emblem, Five angular bleed lines on left and right side in raised print, circle with ?500 in the right, and the identification mark) which enable the visually impaired person to identify the denomination. | The new theme is the Indian heritage site Red Fort with the Indian flag.
The year of printing “2016” and Swachh Bharat logo is printed on the reverse.
The 15 language panel is towards the centre.
Denominational numeral ??? in Devnagari |
VII. ?2000/- notes – Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series |
2016 | 166 mm x 66mm | Mahatma Gandhi portrait and electrotype (2000) watermarks. | Issued in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series.
The base colour of the note is magenta. The note has other designs, geometric patterns aligning with the overall colour scheme, both at the obverse and reverse. See through register with denominational numeral 2000.
Latent image with denominational numeral 2000.
Denominational numeral ???? in Devnagari.
Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at the centre.
Micro letters ‘RBI’ and ‘2000’ on the left side of the banknote.
Windowed security thread with inscriptions ‘???? ’ , RBI and 2000 on banknotes with colour shift. Colour of the thread changes from green to blue when the note is tilted.
Guarantee Clause, Governor’s signature with Promise Clause and RBI emblem towards right
Denominational numeral with Rupee Symbol, ?2000 in colour changing ink (green to blue) on bottom right.
Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right Mahatma Gandhi portrait and electrotype (2000) watermarks.
Number panel with numerals growing from small to big on the top left side and bottom right side. For visually impaired Intaglio or raised printing of Mahatma Gandhi portrait, Ashoka Pillar emblem, bleed lines and identity mark
Horizontal rectangle with ?2000 in raised print on the right
Seven angular bleed lines on left and right side in raised print. | Year of printing of the note on the left.
Swachh Bharat logo with slogan
Language panel towards the centre
Motif of Mangalayan depicting the country’s first venture into interplanetary space.
Denominational numeral ???? in Devnagari |
Annex IXList of Circulars Consolidated in this Master Direction
SN | Circular Ref. No. | Date | Subject | Para of Master Circular |
1 | DCM FNVD G 16/16.01.01/2003-04 | 18-Dec-03 | Issue of Forged Notes through ATM | Para 6 |
2 | DCM FNVD G 31/16.01.01/2003-04 | 8-Apr-04 | Detection of Forged Notes - Issue of receipt to tenderers | Para 4 |
3 | DCM FNVD G 3/16.02.03/2004-05 | 6-Jul-04 | Detection of Forged Notes - Issue of receipts | Para 4 |
4 | DCM FNVD G 23/16.01.01/2005-06 | 7-Dec-05 | Issue of Counterfeit Banknotes through ATMs – Constitution of Forged Note Vigilance Cell | Para 6 & 8 |
5 | DCM FNVD G 37/16.08.08/2006-07 | 28-Mar-06 | Detection of Counterfeit Banknotes at ATMs of the banks | Para 6 & 8 |
6 | DCM FNVD G 18/16.08.08/2006-07 | 1-Jun-07 | Detection of Counterfeit Banknotes in chest remittances received from banks | Para 6 |
7 | DCM(FNVD)No.9664/16.01.05/2009-10 | 30-Jun-09 | Submission of quarterly report by FNV Cell | Para 2 & 3 |
8 | DCMNo.Dir.NPD.3158/09.39.00/2009-10 | 19-Nov-09 | Sorting of Notes – Installation of Note Sorting Machines | Para 6 |
9 | DCM.No.Cir.NPD. 3161/09.39.00 (Policy)/2009-2010 | 19-Nov-09 | Sorting / Processing of Notes – Installation of Note Sorting Machines | Para 9 |
10 | DCMFNVD No. 502/16.01.05/2011-12 | 25-Jul-11 | Detection of Counterfeit Bank Notes – Revised Procedure | Para 5 |
11 | DCM(FNV)No.5063/16.02.22/2011-12 | 9-May-12 | Detection and Reporting Mechanism of Counterfeit Notes – Monetary Policy 2012-13 | Para 6 |
12 | DCMFNVD No.2165/16.21.005/2012-13 | 16-Nov-12 | Detection and Reporting of Counterfeit Notes – Second Quarter Review of Monetary Policy 2012-13 | Para 6 |
13 | DCMFNVD No.776/16.01.05/2015-16 | 27-Aug-15 | Detection of Counterfeit Notes - Review | Para 2 |
14 | DCM FNVD No. 1134/16.01.05/2016-17 | 27-Oct-16 | Detection and Impounding of Counterfeit Notes | Para 5 |
15 | DCM (FNVD) G-7/16.01.05/17-18 | 15-Jan-18 | Detection and Impounding of Counterfeit Notes – Filing of FIR | Para 5 |
16 | DPSS.CO.OD.No.1916/06.07.011/2018-19 | 7-Mar-2019 | White Label ATMs (WLAs) in India – Review of Guidelines | Para 6 |
17 | DCM(NPD)No.S488/18.00.14/2022-23 | 01-Jul-2022 | Note Sorting Machines - Authentication and Fitness Sorting Parameters | Para 9 |
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