The Reserve Bank of India today appealed to members of public not to use banknotes for making garlands, decorating pandals and places of worship or for showering on personalities in social events, etc. Such actions deface the banknotes and shorten their life, the Reserve Bank stated and added that banknotes should be respected as they are a symbol of the Sovereign and public should not misuse them and help in increasing the life of banknotes. The Reserve Bank has also stated that it has been taking all measures to supply clean banknotes across the country and has urged the members of public to contribute their mite to its efforts in pursuing a ‘clean note policy’ for the country.

Alpana Killawala

Principal Chief General Manager

Respect for banknotes: public urged to avoid defacement and support the clean note policy to preserve currency integrity. Appeal to public to refrain from using banknotes for decorative or ceremonial purposes and thereby avoid physical defacement: the Reserve Bank requests that members of the public not use notes for garlands, pandal decoration, showering on persons at social events, or similar acts that physically damage currency and shorten its usable life, and urges public support for its clean note policy to extend banknote life and maintain currency integrity.