The Tamil Nadu government's use of a different symbol instead of the Indian rupee (₹) in its recent state budget document has sparked controversy. Discussions have intensified across the country on this issue, while currency expert Anil Kumar Bhansali has termed it unconstitutional and inappropriate. He said that the rupee is the national currency of India, not the private property of any state government, and only the Central Government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have the right to change its symbol.

What did the Tamil Nadu government do?

The DMK government of Tamil Nadu used a local and different symbol instead of the official symbol of the rupee (₹) in its recently presented budget document. This symbol is believed to reflect regional identity, but it has raised questions about constitutional validity and uniformity of economic policy.

This move is against the Constitution

Senior expert associated with currency and financial markets Anil Kumar Bhansali categorically stated that this move is completely unconstitutional. He said, "The rupee is indeed our national currency and it is not the currency of any particular government in India. I do not see any reason for this." Bhansali stressed that the symbol of any currency is recognized at the national level and it comes only under the purview of the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India. No state government, no matter how powerful it is, has the right to change the symbol of the rupee at its will.

Significance of the symbol: Not only identity, but also a question of sovereignty

The symbol currently used for the Indian rupee ₹ was officially adopted by the Government of India in the year 2010. This symbol is considered a symbol of the economic identity and sovereignty of the nation. It is not just a design, but part of the global identity of the Indian currency. Bhansali says that if state governments start adopting their own symbols, it can not only lead to economic chaos but will also pose a threat to the integrated economic structure of India.

What is the constitutional position?

The Constitution of India gives the Centre the right to take decisions on currency and all related subjects. Under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, the control of currency, coins and bank notes comes only under the jurisdiction of the Central Government and the Reserve Bank of India. In this context, Bhansali said, "The rupee is under the control of the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India, only they are authorized to make any changes in the symbol. This step is unconstitutional and has no justification."

Political context is also important

In Tamil Nadu politics, strong claims have often been made about regional identity and culture. Some people are also linking this step of the DMK government to regional pride. However, according to many experts, tampering with national economic symbols under the guise of political purpose and cultural identity is a serious matter.

It is important to stay within the ambit of the law

This move of the Tamil Nadu government may be motivated by some cultural or political purpose, but taking an independent decision on a national issue like currency is against the Constitution. The opinion of experts is clear — it is necessary to maintain the uniformity of national symbols so that economic stability, sovereignty and unity are not affected. Now it will be interesting to see what action the Central Government and the Reserve Bank of India take on this matter and whether any state can be allowed to change the national currency symbol or not. But for now, currency expert Bhansali has a clear opinion — this move is not legal and it should be stopped immediately.