New Rs 1,000 note with temple design? PIB Fact Check debunks viral claim

NEW DELHI: The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit on Tuesday debunked claims about a new Rs 1,000 currency note. The clarification came after images and videos of a purported yellow-coloured note featuring a temple motif went viral on social media, with some posts claiming it had been issued or would enter circulation on the 15th.PIB Fact Check clarified that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made no announcement regarding the issuance of a new Rs 1,000 banknote.In a post on X, PIB Fact Check said, “Several social media posts claim that a new Rs 1,000 note has been issued. This claim is fake.”The agency added, “The @RBI has made no announcement regarding the issuance of a new Rs 1,000 note.” It also urged people to “Verify information through official sources and do not share unverified claims.”The clarification came after the purported note appeared in posts shared across platforms including Instagram, X and Telegram.The Rs 1,000 denomination was withdrawn from circulation during the demonetisation announced on November 8, 2016, when the government withdrew the legal tender status of the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

New Rs 500 notes were subsequently introduced, while the RBI brought in Rs 2,000 notes as the highest-denomination banknotes in the new currency series.

In May 2023, the RBI announced the withdrawal of Rs 2,000 notes from circulation, while clarifying that they would continue to be legal tender.Banknotes in denominations of Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 200 and Rs 500 remain in circulation under the RBI’s Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series.PIB Fact Check has urged people to verify currency-related announcements through official sources and avoid forwarding unverified claims.The viral posts should not be treated as confirmation of a new denomination unless the RBI issues an official announcement.