Plastic Currency Notes Coming Soon in India; Counterfeit Currency to Be Effectively Curbed – Central Government
Xtreme News India
18-07-2026 20:14:39
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Plastic Currency Notes Coming Soon in India; Counterfeit Currency to Be Effectively Curbed – Central Government
New Delhi (Special Correspondent): Plastic currency notes are expected to be introduced in India soon. At present, around 60 countries around the world use polymer (plastic) banknotes. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is initially planning to introduce polymer notes in lower denominations such as ₹10 and ₹20. To facilitate this, the RBI has invited global tenders from companies for the manufacture and supply of opaque polymer substrate sheets required for printing these notes.
According to the Government and the RBI, this technology will significantly increase the lifespan of currency notes and help curb counterfeit currency. The polymer notes will first be introduced on a pilot basis, and only after assessing the success of the trial will they be rolled out across the country. Global tenders for this purpose have already been issued.
However, the cost of printing polymer notes is expected to be higher than that of conventional paper notes. Initially, printing on polymer sheets is considerably more expensive due to the advanced security features and specialized material used. For example, the RBI currently spends approximately ₹1.01 to print a ₹10 paper note. In comparison, printing a ₹10 polymer note could initially cost anywhere between ₹2 and ₹6.
Despite the higher upfront printing cost, polymer notes are expected to be more economical in the long run. Ordinary paper notes wear out quickly due to dust, dirt, and frequent handling, requiring the RBI to replace them regularly. Polymer notes, on the other hand, are expected to last at least three to four times longer than paper notes. They are resistant to water, sweat, oil, and dust, making them far more durable.
India's current currency notes are made from cotton-based paper, whereas the new polymer notes will be made from a thin and flexible plastic material. However, unlike credit or debit cards, they will not be rigid. They can be folded easily and carried in wallets or purses just like existing paper notes.
Nearly 60 countries currently use polymer banknotes. Australia was the first country to introduce them, and nations such as Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Romania also use polymer currency. Countries including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom have fully adopted polymer banknotes, while several others use them partially.
Although printing paper currency is expensive and the notes have a relatively short lifespan, polymer notes are much more durable, do not tear easily, remain cleaner for longer, and reduce replacement costs. They also incorporate enhanced security features such as transparent windows, micro-optic holograms, and specialized security inks, making them extremely difficult to counterfeit.
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