The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a fresh update regarding the status of ₹2,000 denomination notes, revealing that high-value currency worth ₹6,181 crore is still with the public, despite the central bank’s prior directive to withdraw them from circulation.
In a statement released at the end of May 2025, the RBI noted that approximately 98.26% of the ₹2,000 notes in circulation when the withdrawal was announced in May 2023 have now been returned. However, a small percentage still remains unaccounted for.
The ₹2,000 note was introduced in 2016 after the government demonetized ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes. However, by 2023, the RBI decided to withdraw the note from active circulation, citing reduced usage and a shift toward smaller denominations and digital payments.
Despite the official withdrawal, the RBI clarified that the ₹2,000 note continues to remain legal tender. Individuals still holding these notes can exchange them at designated RBI Issue Offices across India. Additionally, the central bank has made arrangements for people to send ₹2,000 notes via India Post for deposit or exchange, easing the process for those in remote or rural areas.
The RBI urged the public to utilize the available facilities to exchange the remaining notes to avoid any inconvenience in the future. The currency management move is part of the RBI’s ongoing efforts to streamline the cash ecosystem and promote transparency.
