Incorporating new security features/new designs in the banknotes to stay ahead of the counterfeiters is an ongoing process. This is undertaken by the Government of India in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other concerned Ministries/Departments/Organisations.

A High Level Committee, constituted in 2010, under the Chairmanship of Director General, Directorate of Currency, Ministry of Finance and having representatives from MHA, RBI and other concerned Departments/Organizations is examining security features and/or associated technology for incorporation in future series of banknotes.

The RBI’s website provides information to the public on security features of banknotes. The contents pertaining to awareness on Indian banknotes are available in www. paisaboltahai.rbi.org.in. Posters on “Know Your Banknotes” are displayed at bank branches. Regional Offices of RBI participate in various awareness programmes where the members of public are made aware of the features of Indian banknotes and ways to identify genuine Indian banknotes. Posters, leaflets etc are also distributed in such awareness programmes.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Finance, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

Currency security upgrades: government and central bank reviewing new banknote features to deter counterfeiting and raise public awareness. A High Level Committee chaired by the Directorate of Currency and including representatives of relevant departments and the central bank examines security features and associated technologies for future banknote series, while public awareness is advanced through a dedicated website, posters at bank branches, regional outreach programmes, and distribution of informational leaflets to help the public identify genuine notes.