98.38% of ₹2,000 Notes Returned, FinMin Tells Lok Sabha

• Over 98% of ₹2,000 notes have been returned to the banking system, the Finance Ministry informed the Lok Sabha.
• As of November 14, 2025, 98.38% of ₹2,000 notes in circulation on May 19, 2023, were returned, following RBI's withdrawal announcement in May 2023.
• The implementation date for the 8th Central Pay Commission will be determined by the government at a later stage.
• Adequate budgetary provisions will be made to implement the approved recommendations of the 8th Central Pay Commission.

Why It Matters: Future government employee pay hikes remain uncertain.