The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that it will soon issue fresh ₹20 denomination banknotes featuring the signature of its newly appointed Governor, Sanjay Malhotra. This move marks one of the first official currency changes under his tenure, which began recently.
Design and Features Remain Unchanged
According to the RBI’s official statement, the new ₹20 notes will retain the same design and features as the current Mahatma Gandhi (New) series notes. This includes:
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The greenish-yellow colour scheme
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Dimensions of 63 mm × 129 mm
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The portrait of Mahatma Gandhi in the center
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The motif of Ellora Caves on the reverse side, showcasing India’s cultural heritage
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Other standard security features such as the watermark, latent image, micro lettering, and a security thread
The only update will be the change in the Governor’s signature, which is a routine change whenever a new RBI Governor takes office.
Old Notes Remain Valid
Importantly, the RBI clarified that all existing ₹20 notes bearing the signatures of former governors will remain legal tender. There is no need for the public to exchange their current notes, and they can continue to be used for all transactions.
Why This Matters
Although such updates are considered procedural, they are closely watched by economists and currency enthusiasts. The issuance of new notes under a new Governor’s signature is part of the RBI’s standard protocol and reflects administrative continuity.
Governor Sanjay Malhotra, who assumed charge recently, brings with him extensive experience in financial governance and policymaking. His signature on the new notes symbolizes the formal transition of leadership within the central bank.
