Indian Money : The Indian currency is one of the most unique in the world. One common feature in Indian currency is the image of Mahatma Gandhi. You can see Mahatma Gandhi’s image on ₹5, ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, ₹200 and ₹500 notes. Even on counterfeit notes, the image of Mahatma Gandhi is usually printed. Meanwhile, a big update has surfaced regarding the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s photo from currency notes.
Ever since India gained independence, Mahatma Gandhi’s image has been printed on currency notes. Many governments have changed over the years, but no one has been able to change or remove Mahatma Gandhi’s photograph from the notes. Even the new notes that were introduced after demonetisation also feature Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait.
Indian Money : Will Mahatma Gandhi’s Photo Be Removed from Currency Notes?
For so many years, Mahatma Gandhi’s picture has been printed on Indian currency, but now discussions have emerged about removing his image from banknotes. New reports and rumors have been circulating almost daily on social media. The question is: how much truth is there in these rumors? Will Mahatma Gandhi’s image really disappear from Indian currency? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has responded to this issue. Let us find out what the RBI has said.
RBI Has Made the Situation Clear
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has responded to the rumors about removing Mahatma Gandhi’s photo from banknotes. Many social media posts were claiming that other personalities like Rabindranath Tagore and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam may soon appear on Indian currency notes. However, the RBI has clarified that the government is not considering any such proposal.
According to the RBI, there is no plan to replace Mahatma Gandhi’s image on banknotes with that of any other personality. The central bank has strongly denied the rumors spreading on social media.
Why Did the Question of Removing the Photo Arise?
The confusion began after a report claimed that the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL), which works under the Ministry of Finance, had sent two sets of watermark designs featuring Mahatma Gandhi, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and Rabindranath Tagore to IIT Delhi Professor Dilip Sahni. He was allegedly asked to choose between the two sets, and the chosen set would then be presented to the government through the RBI.
However, even if such a process takes place, it does not mean that Mahatma Gandhi’s photo will be removed. There is no official confirmation that his image will be replaced.
Mahatma Gandhi’s Image Missing from Digital Rupee
Recently, the RBI has launched India’s Digital Rupee. This currency is completely digital and can only be used in online format. Since it is not a physical note, it does not contain an image of Mahatma Gandhi.
When Did Mahatma Gandhi’s Image Appear on Currency Notes for the First Time?
Mahatma Gandhi’s image first appeared on an Indian currency note in 1969, on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary. A special series of notes was issued that featured a picture of Mahatma Gandhi along with the Sevagram Ashram. Later in 1987, his image was again printed on the ₹500 note, after which it became a permanent feature on Indian banknotes.