The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently taken a big decision, which will change a lot in the everyday life of the common people. It is often seen that small notes from ATMs, such as ₹ 100 and ₹ 200, were not easily found, causing people to have problems in small transactions.
Especially when small shopkeepers, street vendors or ordinary citizens withdraw money from ATMs, they get big notes, which make it difficult to holiday. Keeping this problem in mind, RBI has instructed banks and White Label ATM Operators (Wlaos) to provide ₹ 100 and ₹ 200 notes regularly in their ATMs.
This decision is also necessary because the demand for small notes always remains. Many times people go round banks or shops only for holidays. Now this new instruction of RBI hopes that the general public will not have to face the lack of small notes and the transaction will become easier.
In this article, we will know in detail what is this new instruction of RBI, what is its purpose, what is the deadline to apply, and what are the benefits of the common people.
RBI new guidelines for RBI 100 and ₹ 200 notes
RBI, in its new instruction, has asked banks and White Label ATM operators to ensure that ₹ 100 and ₹ 200 notes are released regularly from their ATMs. The main objective of this instruction is to increase the availability of small notes to the public, so that everyday transactions are ease.
| Acquaintance | Description |
| Main reason | Small notes to increase availability |
| Date of implementation (first phase) | Applicable in 75% ATM by 30 September 2025 |
| Date of implementation (second phase) | Applicable in 90% ATM by 31 March 2026 |
| Focus on which notes | ₹ 100 and ₹ 200 |
| Who to apply | All banks and white label atm operators |
| What is the benefit to the public | Small notes will be easily available, facility in transactions |
| Other information | All old ₹ 100 and ₹ 200 notes will be valid |
| New design of notes | Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series, New Governor’s signature |
RBI’s instruction objective
- To ensure availability of small notes to the public.
- To relieve small shopkeepers and common people from holiday problems.
- Promoting Financial Inclusion in both rural and urban areas.
- Removing the problem of getting big notes repeatedly from ATMs.
Implementation deadline
- First Phase: By 30 September 2025, 75% of the country’s 75% ATMs should have ₹ 100 or ₹ 200 notes in at least one cassette.
- Second phase: This number is to be increased to 90% ATM by 31 March 2026.
Which ATMs will be included?
- All bank ATMs
- White Label ATM Operators (Wlaos) ATM
What will change with the new RBI instructions?
This decision of RBI will give many benefits to common people. Now whenever someone withdraws money from ATM, he will be able to get ₹ 100 and ₹ 200 notes easily. Due to this, small shopkeepers, vegetables, auto-rickshaw drivers and common citizens will not have a holiday.
Main advantage
- Ease of small transactions: Now there will be no need to break big notes for small expenses.
- Relief to shopkeepers: Small shopkeepers will be able to holiday customers.
- Benefits in rural areas: Where bank branches are less, it will be easy to get small notes from ATMs.
- Promoting digital transactions: Due to getting small notes, there will be balance in both digital and cash transactions.
Specialty of new ₹ 100 and ₹ 200 notes
RBI has announced that new notes of ₹ 100 and ₹ 200 will be issued soon. Some changes have also been made in these notes.
New notes of ₹ 100
- Series: Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series
- Governor’s signature: New Governor Sanjay Malhotra’s signature
- Color: Lavender (Light Purple)
- Design: Photo of Mahatma Gandhi on the front, photo of ‘Rani Ki Vav’
- Size: 66mm x 142mm
New notes of ₹ 200
- Series: Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series
- Governor’s signature: New Governor Sanjay Malhotra’s signature
- Color: Bright Yellow (Yellow)
- Design: Photo of Mahatma Gandhi on the front, photo of ‘Sanchi Stupa’ behind
- Size: 66mm x 146mm
Old notes will also be valid
The RBI has made it clear that all the old ₹ 100 and ₹ 200 notes will also remain in circulation, that is, they will also be completely legal tender. You do not need to change old notes.
What changes for ATM operators and banks?
- All banks and white label ATM operators will have to keep ₹ 100 or ₹ 200 notes in at least one cassette in their ATM.
- ATM settings will have to be changed so that small notes can be easily released.
- Banks will also have to make changes in their logistics and cash management systems.
What precautions and suggestions for the public?
- If small notes are not being found in the ATMs of your area, then file a complaint with the bank.
- Do not depend on shopkeepers or others to holiday when you get big notes.
- Also use digital payment, but always keep small notes with you for cash needs.
Why is the availability of small notes necessary?
Main reason
- Everyday expenses: small notes are necessary for shopping at vegetables, milk, auto, bus, small shops.
- Small traders: Small shopkeepers need small notes to give holidays.
- Rural areas: Banking facilities are limited in villages, it is necessary to get small notes from ATMs.
- Financial Inclusion: People of every class can connect with the banking system by getting small notes.
Challenges related to RBI’s instructions
- Problem of space in ATM: A separate cassette will be needed to keep small notes in ATMs.
- Logistics expenses: Banks will have to spend more in supply and management of small notes.
- Customers’ habit: Some people like to withdraw more cash, so it can be difficult to handle bundles of small notes.
- Free withdrawal limit: The ATM may have to go repeatedly for small notes, which can eliminate the free withdrawal limit quickly.
What will be the effect with the availability of small notes?
- Relief for small traders: It will be easy to give holidays.
- Facility in rural areas: Despite the bank branch being low, small notes will be found from ATMs.
- Promoting digital transactions: People will be able to balance both digital and cash by getting small notes.
- Satisfaction in public: Common people will get relief from holiday problems.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will the old ₹ 100 and ₹ 200 notes be closed?
No, all old ₹ 100 and ₹ 200 notes will be completely valid.
Q2: Will small notes be found in every ATM?
According to the RBI instructions, small notes will be started in 75% by 2025 and 90% by 2026.
Q3: What is the change in new notes?
The new notes will have new signatures of the governor and mild changes have been made in the design.
Q4: What to do if small notes are not found in ATM?
You can file a complaint with the concerned bank.
conclusion
This new instruction of RBI is a relief news for the general public. Increasing availability of small notes will make everyday transactions ease and small shopkeepers will also benefit. Banks and ATM operators will have to change their system, but this will make cash transactions across the country more smooth and convenient. With the design and signature of the governor, old notes will also remain in trend, so that people do not need to worry about any kind.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on RBI’s recent instructions and information related to notes. This scheme is completely real and has been released by RBI. Old notes will not be closed, this step has been taken to increase the availability of small notes. Avoid any rumor or wrong information and always trust official information.
