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RBI's currency-printing subsidiary, Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL), floated a global Expression of Interest on 17 July 2026 for opacified polymer substrate sheets.
The tender targets a pilot for Rs 10 and Rs 20 notes, made from Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) with embedded security features.
Polymer notes last 2.5-4 times longer than paper notes but cost 30-60% more to produce, and India imports about a fifth of its polypropylene needs.
Over 60 countries already use polymer currency in some form, led by Australia, which pioneered a full polymer series three decades ago.
| Aspect | Paper Notes | Polymer Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | Shorter, wears faster | 2.5-4x longer |
| Production cost | Lower | 30-60% higher upfront |
| Moisture/dirt resistance | Lower | Higher |
| Security features | Standard watermarks/threads | See-through windows, colour-shifting ink, metallic overlays |
General Awareness > Banking and Currency
GS Paper III > Indian Economy, Currency Management
Which one of the following statements correctly describes the meaning of legal tender money?
Answer: The money which a creditor is under compulsion to accept in settlement of his claims
Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited, the RBI's currency-printing subsidiary
Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene, the polymer substrate material used for durable, tamper-resistant banknotes