In a move aimed at improving the availability of lower denomination currency for the public, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday directed all banks and White Label ATM Operators (WLAOs) to ensure that their ATMs regularly dispense Rs 100 and Rs 200 notes.
“As part of an endeavour towards enhancing public access to frequently used denominations of banknotes, it has been decided that all banks and White Label ATM Operators shall ensure that their ATMs dispense Rs 100 and Rs 200 denomination banknotes on a regular basis,” the RBI said in an official circular.
The implementation will be carried out in a phased manner:
- By September 30, 2025, at least 75% of all ATMs must dispense either Rs 100 or Rs 200 denomination notes from at least one cassette.
- By March 31, 2026, this requirement will increase to 90% of all ATMs.
This decision is expected to significantly ease the difficulties faced by the public in obtaining smaller denomination currency, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where higher denomination notes often lead to challenges in day-to-day transactions.
