Mistakes held up Rs 500 distribution

Hyderabad: The new Rs 500 denomination notes reached RBI-Hyderabad 10 days ago but officials did not release it till November 23 due to the defects in the printed currency. A few notes varied from actual specifications due to over-print. The variation was on face of the note which bears the picture of Mahatma Gandhi. The shadow around Gandhiji’s image was thick in the defective notes and the currency value was printed too close to his ear.

The shadow of the Mahatma's face on the left half-circle had overflown on the defective currency. Besides, the lion head and the RBI logo had thick and blurred outlines. The security thread was further away from the Mahatma's face, and closer to the RBI Governor's promissory note. Besides, the images on the left edge of the notes were mis-aligned. As news of defective notes spread on social media, RBI officials from Mumbai provided clarifications. According to them, there was a minor mistake at the printing press. There will be no problem to those who are having defective notes. There will be no change in its value and if people wish to exchange it, they can approach banks or RBI offices, they said.

An official from the RBI at Hyderabad said, “Sometimes, due to over-print, the blueprint dyes stick to the paper leading to minor defects in currency notes. If the staff does not clean the printing machine due to time constraints, such defects will take place,” the official said.