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RBI invites bids for polymer plastic rupee notes
Economic Times··18 Jul
Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran invited global expressions of interest on July 18 from manufacturers to supply polymer substrate sheets with embedded security features for printing banknotes. Bids close August 18. If introduced, polymer notes would be a first for India after nearly a century of paper currency. RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra said polymer note discussions remain preliminary last month.
Prism
What It Means For You
- India may introduce durable polymer banknotes for the first time.
- Rs 500 notes dominate 86 percent of total currency value in circulation.
- Polymer notes typically last longer and need less frequent replacement.
What's Happening
- BRBNMPL invited bids for polymer substrate on July 18 with August 18 deadline.
- Polymer notes would mark a first after nearly a century of paper currency.
- RBI printing costs fell to Rs 4,875 crore in 2025-26 despite higher circulation.
Adaptive Context
- Currency in circulation rose 12 percent to Rs 41.23 lakh crore by March 2026.
- Bidders face strict security clearance and sourcing restrictions.
- RBI governor said polymer note discussions remain preliminary last month.
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