RBI: 5,669 Crore in 2000 Rupee Notes Still Missing, Return Rate Plummets

• RBI reports 5,669 crore rupees worth of 2000 notes are still with the public, despite withdrawal in May 2023.
• 98.41% of the 3.56 lakh crore notes initially in circulation have been returned by December 31, 2025.
• The return rate has drastically slowed, with only 148 crore notes returned in the last two months.
• 2000 rupee notes remain legal tender and can be exchanged at 19 RBI offices or via India Post.
• Notes were introduced in 2016 post-demonetization and withdrawn in 2023 under the 'Clean Note Policy'.

Why It Matters: Over 5,600 crore in 2000 rupee notes remain unreturned; RBI urges public to exchange them.