RBI to Bombay HC - Challenge To Replace A Large Number Of Currency Notes To Make It Visually Impaired Friendly

During the proceedings at the Bombay High Court, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) informed the considerable challenge of replacing a large number of currency notes with new ones that are suitable for the visually impaired. Senior Advocate Venkatesh Dhond, representing the RBI, presented a committee report to the Court, which included recommendations regarding the currency change. Dhond emphasized that altering the currency posed difficulties. He further explained that according to Section 25 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, any necessary measures must receive approval from the Central government.

The committee's report highlighted that the currency notes issued after the demonetization process had almost identical sizes across all denominations, rendering them indistinguishable.

The committee put forth several suggestions as follows:

1. The size of the currency notes should be increased proportionally to ensure adequate recognition of the currency.
2. Embossing and bleeding marks are not effective long-term solutions for currency recognition. Therefore, alternative methods for enhancing identification features on the notes should be considered.
3. A phased timeline should be established to remove inaccessible currency from circulation and replace it with accessible currency.
4. It is worth exploring the use of durable materials, such as plastic currency, that can support tactile markings for extended periods.
5. Money apps should be explored as a means to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

The Bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Arif Doctor, granted the RBI additional time to review the report. The matter was adjourned for a hearing scheduled on July 19. This development occurred during the proceedings of a public interest litigation initiated in 2019 by the National Association for the Blind (NAB). 

The NAB argued that the altered physical features of the new currency notes issued by the RBI made them unidentifiable for visually impaired individuals. In July 2022, the RBI had previously informed the High Court about the inclusion of various tactile features on currency notes to aid visually impaired individuals in easily identifying the denominations.