क्या बापू वाले नोट अब होंगे चलन से बाहर? (Will 'Bapu' Notes Go Out of Circulation?) – RBI Clarifies on Viral Gandhi Photo Rumors
Category: Indian Economy / Fact Check
Date: December 20, 2025
Have you received a WhatsApp forward recently claiming that Mahatma Gandhi’s photo is being removed from Indian currency notes? You are not alone.
For the past few days, social media has been buzzing with anxiety. From family groups to Twitter timelines, a rumor has spread like wildfire suggesting that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning a major overhaul of Indian banknotes, specifically removing the portrait of the Father of the Nation.
Before you panic or start hoarding cash, here is the truth directly from the authorities.
The Verdict: Is Gandhi Ji Leaving the Indian Note?
No. The claims are false and misleading.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has stepped in to firmly deny these rumors. The central bank has clarified that:
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There is no proposal to drop Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait from any rupee denomination.
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There are no discussions underway to replace his image with other symbols.
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The current currency design remains valid and unchanged.
The RBI emphasized that currency design is a deeply symbolic and tightly regulated matter. Major changes are never done secretly or announced via anonymous social media posts; they are done through official notifications.
How Did This Rumor Start?
In the age of digital media, misinformation travels faster than facts. This specific rumor seems to have originated from:
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Selectively Edited Images: fake mock-ups of notes without Gandhi’s photo circulating online.
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Loosely Worded Posts: Speculative articles hinting at "new designs" without any evidence.
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The "Source" Trap: Viral messages citing unnamed "sources" to create an illusion of credibility.
Experts note that currency rumors (like those about demonetization or fake notes) spread quickly because they tap into people's financial insecurities. As media analyst Ritu Malhotra points out, "When uncertainty is attached to something so basic as the money in your wallet, rumors gain speed before facts catch up."
Why Gandhi’s Image Matters on Currency
Mahatma Gandhi was not always on every Indian note. His portrait became a standard feature with the introduction of the Mahatma Gandhi Series in the 1990s, replacing earlier designs of monuments.
Why does he stay?
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Security: The intricate lines around his portrait are a key security feature against counterfeiting.
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Identity: His image gives Indian currency a consistent, globally recognizable identity.
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Values: As the RBI notes, his presence reinforces the values of integrity and trust—the foundation of a stable monetary system.
The Bottom Line for the Public
The RBI is the sole authority on currency design under the RBI Act. Any actual change to the notes involves years of review, testing, and public announcements (just like when the new ₹200 or ₹500 notes were introduced).
Do not believe forward messages. If the RBI hasn't posted it on their official website or held a press conference, it is likely fake news.
Key Takeaway: Your cash is safe, and Mahatma Gandhi’s photo is not going anywhere. The viral claims are nothing more than digital misinformation.
