Printing defect in new Rs 500 notes; two variants surface

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Within just 15 days of being into circulation, two variants of the new Rs 500 notes have surfaced.

Experts say that this could lead to confusion in the market as the notes are just fresh in the market. With the people already hard pressed for cash, many might fear that these are counterfeit currency.

The Times of India quoting RBI spokesperson Alpana Killawala, has said: "It is likely that notes with printing defect has got released due to the current rush. However, people can freely accept such a note in transaction or return it to RBI."

Check out one of the pictures as shared to TOI by some Delhi/NCR residents.

The old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 have lost their legal tender characteristic from November 9. Holders of the currency have option to deposit them in bank accounts till December 30.

Meanwhile, the government last night extended till December 15 the facility of using old Rs 500 notes in public utilities and included more services like mobile recharge but stopped the over-the-counter exchange of defunct currencies and use of Rs 1,000 notes.