₹10 ₹20 ₹50 notes shortage India: The central government has clarified that there is no shortage of small denomination currency notes in India, including ₹10, ₹20 and ₹50 notes, despite concerns raised in some quarters. The assurance was given in Parliament on Tuesday while responding to questions about the availability and circulation of lower-value banknotes across the country.
Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary addressed the issue in the Rajya Sabha, stating that the government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are continuously monitoring the supply and circulation of currency notes to ensure adequate availability for the public. He emphasized that the current data from the RBI indicates that there is no scarcity of ₹10, ₹20, or ₹50 notes in the currency system.
The minister also explained that lower denomination notes have traditionally not been dispensed through ATMs, as these machines are primarily configured to distribute higher-value notes for operational convenience. However, recognizing the public’s need for smaller notes for everyday transactions, the authorities are exploring alternative ways to improve their accessibility.
Finance Ministry’s reply on ₹10, ₹20, ₹50 notes: Govt provides printed notes data
According to the government, in the current financial year (till February 26), the central bank has supplied 439.40 crore notes of Rs 10, 193.70 crore notes of Rs 20 and 130.30 crore notes of Rs 50. In the previous financial year (FY2025), 180 crore notes of Rs 10, 150 crore notes of Rs 20 and 300 crore notes of Rs 50 were supplied.
₹10 ₹20 ₹50 notes shortage India: RBI decides on the need for notes
The RBI, as a continuous process, assesses the need for notes of various denominations and advises the government on the required mix of notes. Demand for low-value currency is met through a mix of notes and coins. Furthermore, digital payment channels constitute a significant portion of total transactions, including those of low value.
3.72 lakh digital transactions through RuPay KCC
Responding to another question, the Minister said that as per the report released by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), a total of 3.72 lakh digital transactions worth ₹111.17 crore have taken place through RuPay KCC cards in the financial year 2025-26 (up to December 31, 2025). The loan limit given to all eligible farmers under KCC is determined as per the scale of crops financed, cultivable area, cropping pattern and related requirements.
