RBI: 98.42% of Rs 2,000 Notes Returned, Only Rs 5,609 Crore Remain in Circulation

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that 98.42% of the withdrawn Rs 2,000 banknotes have been returned.
• The withdrawal of Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes was initiated on May 19, 2023.
• The total value of Rs 2,000 notes in circulation decreased from Rs 3.56 lakh crore on May 19, 2023, to Rs 5,609 crore by January 31, 2026.
• Facilities for deposit and exchange were available at bank branches until October 7, 2023, and later at RBI's 19 issue offices.
• The public can also send Rs 2,000 banknotes via India Post to RBI Issue Offices for credit to their bank accounts, and the notes remain legal tender.

Why It Matters: Vast majority of Rs 2,000 notes returned to RBI; they remain legal tender despite withdrawal.