It has been brought to the notice of Reserve Bank of India that members of public and institutions write number, name or messages, etc. on the watermark window of banknotes, thus defacing the banknotes. The watermark window has an important security feature which distinguishes it from a counterfeit note. Any defacement on the window will not allow the common man to identify one of the features of a genuine note. The public is, therefore, requested to refrain from doing anything that leads to defacement.

Ajit Prasad

Assistant General Manager

Banknote security: writing on the watermark window undermines authentication and the public is urged to stop. Writing on the watermark window of banknotes undermines a key security feature and constitutes defacement, preventing ordinary users from identifying genuine notes. The Reserve Bank of India notified that members of the public and institutions have been inscribing names, numbers or messages on the window and requested the public to refrain from actions that lead to defacement to preserve currency security.