RBI to Issue New Rs 20 Banknotes with Governor Sanjay Malhotra’s Signature

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that it will soon release new Rs 20 denomination banknotes bearing the signature of the newly appointed RBI Governor, Sanjay Malhotra. These banknotes will be part of the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series and will retain the same design, features, and motifs as the notes currently in circulation. The update is part of a routine currency issuance process that follows the appointment of a new central bank chief.

Why in News?

The issuance of new Rs 20 banknotes with the signature of Governor Sanjay Malhotra has drawn attention due to the customary practice of updating legal tender to reflect changes in the RBI’s top leadership. This announcement by the RBI assures the public that existing notes remain valid and that no other changes are being made to the design or security features.

Key Highlights

• The new Rs 20 notes will bear the signature of RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
• These notes will be part of the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series.
• Design, colour, size, and features remain unchanged.
• The reverse side will continue to display the Ellora Caves motif.
• All previously issued Rs 20 banknotes remain legal tender.

Background & Static Information

• The Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series was introduced in 2016 with enhanced security features and a refreshed design.
• The Rs 20 note in this series is greenish-yellow in colour and measures 63 mm × 129 mm.
• It includes security features like a watermark, latent image, micro-lettering, and colour-shifting ink.
• The motif on the reverse side, Ellora Caves, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra.

Objectives of Issuing New Notes

• To reflect the change in RBI leadership after the appointment of a new Governor.
• To standardize currency issuance with updated official signatures.
• To maintain public confidence in the currency system.

Significance

• Reinforces RBI’s transparency and continuity in currency operations.
• Ensures seamless circulation without causing confusion regarding the validity of old notes.
• Important for record-keeping, authentication, and legal documentation involving currency verification.