The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that it will soon introduce newly issued ₹50 currency notes featuring the signature of Governor Sanjay Malhotra. However, all previously issued ₹50 notes will continue to remain valid.
New ₹50 Note Announcement
On Wednesday, the RBI confirmed that fresh ₹50 notes bearing the signature of Sanjay Malhotra, who took charge as RBI Governor in December 2024, will be circulated soon. Malhotra succeeded Shaktikanta Das as the head of India’s central bank.
According to the RBI’s official statement, the design of the new notes will remain identical to the existing ₹50 notes from the Mahatma Gandhi (New) series.
Existing ₹50 Notes Will Remain Valid
The RBI has clarified that all previously issued ₹50 denomination notes will continue to be legal tender, meaning there is no need to exchange or replace them.
Features of the Current ₹50 Note
The current ₹50 note from the Mahatma Gandhi (New) series has the following characteristics:
- Size: 66 mm × 135 mm
- Base Color: Fluorescent Blue
- Reverse Side: Depicts Hampi’s chariot, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage
Update on ₹2000 Notes
Meanwhile, the RBI has also provided an update on the status of ₹2000 notes, which were withdrawn from circulation as part of the Clean Note Policy announced on May 19, 2023.
As of January 31, 2025, approximately 98.15% of these high-value notes have returned to the banking system, while ₹6,577 crore worth of ₹2000 notes are still unreturned by the public.
Previously, as of December 31, 2024, ₹6,691 crore worth of ₹2000 notes were still in circulation. The gradual withdrawal process continues as the RBI urges people to deposit or exchange these notes.
