India's RBI to Pilot Polymer Rs10 and Rs20 Banknotes

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a pilot programme to issue polymer banknotes of Rs 10 and Rs 20 denominations. The RBI’s currency‑printing subsidiary issued a tender for the specialised material required for the notes, with bids due by 18 August. If the trial proves successful, the polymer series could be expanded.

Polymer notes are expected to last two to four times longer than traditional cotton‑paper notes, resist water, dirt and wear, and incorporate advanced security features such as a transparent window, holographic elements and optical colour‑changing effects. These measures aim to reduce the high prevalence of counterfeit notes, particularly high‑value forgeries, and lower long‑term printing and replacement costs.