Of late, much has been said about Indian currency notes, and particularly about the note of ₹100 which is most widely circulated. Rumors are doing the rounds on social media, and when these are so many, it is but natural that people seek clarification. In this context, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has acted to issue its own guidelines on the ₹100 currency note-positive directions for banks and, more importantly, for the general public, to help them know the difference between forged and original calls.
Why ₹100 Note Matters to Everyday Indians
The ₹100 note undeniably holds utmost importance for the Indian aam admi. It is a commonly used denomination for day-to-day transactions, coming next in value after ₹200 and ₹500 notes but being traditionally the preferred value for daily purchases, commute fares, and transactions with small neighborhood businesses.
Sadly, all this popularity has attracted counterfeiters as well. The RBI, therefore, came out with a further set of instructions for the common man so as to not fall prey to cunning counterfeiters.
RBI’s Clear Warning: Stay Alert About Counterfeit ₹100 Notes
The RBI, as India’s central banking institution, consistently updates its currency protocols to maintain public trust in the system. Recently, concerns have been raised about the increased circulation of fake ₹100 notes in various parts of the country.
How to Identify a Genuine ₹100 Note: RBI’s Step-by-Step Guide
If you rely on ₹100 notes regularly, here’s how to ensure you’re handling a real one:
- Watermark and Floral Design Near Gandhi’s Image
On the left side of the note, near the watermark area, you will notice:
A vertical band featuring a floral design.
A clear watermark image of Mahatma Gandhi, along with the numeral 100.
These features are embedded, not printed, and should be visible when you hold the note against the light.
- Security Thread That Changes Color
Running vertically through the note is a security thread that reads ‘भारत’ and ‘RBI’. When you tilt the note at different angles, the thread shifts between blue and green hues, indicating its authenticity.