Rs.2000 Note Ban
National News

Rs.2000 Note Ban – Why is it banned and What RBI says about it ?

On the 19th of May, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) made a momentous decision by announcing the Rs.2000 note ban. The central bank, in line with its “Clean Note Policy,” urged everyone to deposit or exchange 2000 rupees banknotes by the 30th of September, 2023.
(Read more about Clean Note Policy here)

In an official statement issued on Friday, the RBI expressed its rationale behind this move. The introduction of the ₹ 2,000 banknote took place in 2016 November, subsequent to the demonetization of ₹1,000 and the older ₹500 notes. The primary objective behind the introduction of the Rs 2,000 banknote was successfully accomplished as an adequate supply of banknotes in different denominations became general. However, it is important to note that the Rs 2,000 banknotes will retain their status as legal tender. Consequently, the printing of ₹2,000 banknotes had already ceased during the fiscal year of 2018-19.

To ensure a seamless transition and allow sufficient time for the general public, all banks will extend exchange and/or deposit facilities for Rs 2,000 notes until the specified deadline of 30 September, 2023. This concerted effort aims to conclude the process within a specific timeframe while accommodating the needs of businesses and individuals alike.

Why does the RBI withdraw 2000 notes?

In the month of November 2016, the Indian currency introduced a new type of banknote worth ₹2000. This decision was made because there was a strong need to fulfil the country’s currency demands after the ₹1000 and ₹500 notes were declared no longer legal. However, as the economy stabilised and an adequate supply of banknotes of different values became available, the 2000 rupee note printing was discontinued in the year 2018-19.

It is important to note that most ₹2000 banknotes were printed prior to March 2017, which is why they have reached their expected lifespan (which is usually around 4 to 5 years). Additionally, these banknotes have not become widely popular for everyday transactions. On the other hand, there are enough banknotes of other denominations in stock to fulfil the currency needs of the general public. Considering these factors and following the Reserve Bank of India’s “Clean Note Policy,” a significant decision has been made to withdraw the circulation of Rs. 2000 notes.

What does the RBI say about the Rs.2000 note ban?

The Reserve Bank of India made an announcement regarding the Rs. 2,000 denomination notes. While the RBI has decided to remove these notes from circulation, they will still remain legal tender. This move is similar to the demonstration act that took place in 2013-2014. This decision may also strain the banking system and cause inconvenience and anxiety for the public, much like during the demonetization period.

To address this situation, the RBI has recommended the people to submit their Rs 2,000 banknotes to their bank or swap them for notes of different denominations. The process of depositing notes into banks can be done without restrictions, following the usual procedures and relevant statutory conditions. Additionally, individuals can exchange their Rs 2,000 notes for banknotes of different denominations, with the limit of Rs. 20,000/time, commencing from 23 May, 2023.

To ensure a smooth transition, banks will provide exchange and deposit facilities for Rs. 2,000 notes until 30 September, 2023. In order to facilitate the exchange process, the Reserve Bank Of India has issued specific guidelines to all the banks.

It is worth noting that printing of notes of Rs. 2,000 ceased in the year 2018-19. The RBI states that around 89 percent of the Rs. 2,000 notes got published prior to March 2017. As of 31 March 2023, the value of notes of Rs. 2,000 in circulation has decreased to Rs. 3.63 lakh crore, comprising only 10.8 percent of the total notes.

Overall, the RBI’s decision of 2000 rupee note withdraw from circulation aims to align with its Clean Note Policy. By encouraging the deposit and exchange of these notes, the RBI seeks to ensure a smooth transition while addressing the needs of the public and the banking system.

Congress views on ₹2000 denomination

The decision to take out 2000 banknotes from circulation has received strong criticism from the Congress party. They are unhappy with the prime minister’s choice and say that it shows his impulsive decision-making style, where he acts quickly without thinking things through.

Pawan Khera, a leader from the Congress party, is particularly worried about the similarities between the 2000 rupee note ban and the demonetisation act of 2016, which he believes has rebound to haunt the country. Khera passionately believes that demonetisation was a huge disaster that had a long-lasting negative impact on the people. He expresses disappointment with the prime minister’s previous claims about the advantages of the 2,000 notes, especially now that their production has suddenly stopped. This stark difference between the promises made and the current situation has left many people confused.

Final Thoughts on Rs.2000 Note Ban

In conclusion, the withdrawal of ₹2,000 denomination banknotes by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) represents a significant step towards aligning with the Clean Note Policy and ensuring a smooth transition in the currency system. The introduction of ₹2,000 notes in 2016 aimed to fulfill the currency demands following demonetization, but as the economy stabilised and an adequate supply of different denomination banknotes became available, the printing of ₹2,000 notes was discontinued in 2018-19.

The RBI emphasises that while the ₹2,000 banknotes will no longer be in circulation, they will retain their legal tender status until the specified deadline of 30 September, 2023. To address any inconvenience caused by this decision, the RBI has provided guidelines for individuals to deposit or exchange their ₹2,000 notes at banks. The goal is to facilitate a seamless transition while accommodating the needs of businesses and individuals.

However, the decision has faced criticism from the Congress party, who view the Rs. 2000 note ban as impulsive and reminiscent of the problematic demonetization act of 2016. They express concern over the prime minister’s claims about the advantages of ₹2,000 notes, given the sudden cessation of their production.

Article by: Sheetal Sharma

 

 

 

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