Will Gandhiji’s picture ever be removed from notes? What does RBI rule say? Answer to every question here

Mahatma Gandhi Photo On India Currency : The picture of Mahatma Gandhi smiling on Indian currency has become a part of our identity. But, from time to time the question arises whether ‘Bapu’ Can the picture of any other great man or symbol be seen instead? From a legal and constitutional point of view, it is possible, but its process is extremely complex and lengthy.

Under Section 22 of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934, RBI alone has the monopoly of issuing currency notes in India. However, the bank alone cannot take the decision to change the format or design of the notes. As per section 25, the recommendations made by the Central Board of RBI with respect to the design, form and content of bank notes are subject to the approval of the Central Government. That is, unless the government and the RBI board are unanimous, change is not possible.

How does the process of change begin?

If ever the idea of ​​removing the picture of Mahatma Gandhi from the notes or adding a new picture comes, then its process is as follows. Firstly the Central Board of RBI considers aspects like security standards, cost of printing and public sentiments. The recommendations of the Board are sent to the Finance Ministry. Often in such situations, a committee of experts is formed, which decides which symbol or picture best represents the unity and integrity of the nation.

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Has such an attempt ever happened?

According to authorized sources and historical facts, before 1996, Indian notes used to have various images like Ashoka Pillar. In 1996, the Reserve Bank launched the &8216;Mahatma Gandhi Series&8217; Issued Rs. 500 notes, which were easier to prevent counterfeiting and strengthened security features. Meanwhile, in some media reports, there was speculation about the pictures of Rabindranath Tagore and APJ Abdul Kalam, but in June 2022, RBI issued an official statement making it clear that no proposal to change the picture of Mahatma Gandhi in currency notes is under consideration. According to experts, change is technically possible. But the picture of the Father of the Nation has become the global and cultural identity of Indian currency. Changing this is not currently among the priorities of the government or RBI.