The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the introduction of new Rs 100 and Rs 200 banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series. In an official press release, the central bank stated that fresh notes will be released.
What’s Changing
The new Rs 100 and Rs 200 banknotes will bear the signature of RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, who took office in December 2024. This is a standard practice whenever a new governor assumes charge. The RBI had earlier announced similar updates for Rs 50 banknotes. While no changes have been made to the overall design of the new notes.
What Happens to Old Notes
The RBI has clarified that all previously issued Rs 100 and Rs 200 banknotes will remain legal tender. This implies that there is no need to exchange existing currency and that both new and old notes will remain usable for transactions. The introduction of new banknotes does not impact the usability of older ones.
Sanjay Malhotra became the 26th Governor of the RBI after replacing Shaktikanta Das, who had been in office since December 2018. An IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre, Malhotra has held key government positions, including serving as Revenue Secretary. His tenure as RBI Governor is set for three years.
By issuing these revised notes, the RBI continues with its regular task of preserving currency circulation and guaranteeing a seamless transfer with the signature of the new governor.
