New Delhi, July 30 — Despite the Reserve Bank of India’s directive to withdraw ₹2,000 denomination notes from circulation, a substantial ₹6,099 crore worth of these high-value notes are still yet to be returned.
The ₹2,000 note, Introduced in 2016 after the government’s demonetization move, was intended to meet immediate currency needs. However, in May 2023, the RBI decided to phase it out, citing declining usage and sufficient supply of lower denominations. A deadline was set for the public to deposit or exchange the notes through banks.
Although most of the notes have made their way back to the banking system, data reveals that a small portion—roughly 3% of the total issued—is still unaccounted for. These notes may remain with individuals, traders, or could be misplaced or destroyed.
The RBI has clarified that even though the notes are no longer legal tender, they can still be exchanged at designated RBI branches.
