Now only a few days are left for Diwali and shopping is going on in full swing in the markets. Not only is digital payment being used extensively, shopping is also being done in cash. There is a great need for notes smaller than Rs 100-200 in retail markets. Meanwhile, there is news of shortage of 10, 20 and 50 rupee notes in the markets. Such a claim is being made on social media. A circular in the name of central bank RBI is also viral with this claim.
With this alleged circular, the claim of shortage of new notes of Rs 10, 20 and 50 is spreading rapidly on social media. The alleged circular of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) being shared on WhatsApp states that small denomination notes will not be available in sufficient quantity during the festival.
However, the Fact Check Unit of Press Information Bureau (PIB) has declared this claim as fake. PIB Fact Check clarified that RBI has not made any such announcement regarding the availability of small denomination notes. The claims made in the message going viral on social media are completely wrong.
Less printing of 10, 20 and 50 rupee notes?
In the alleged circular circulated on WhatsApp, the date of October 27, 2026 and reference to RBI/2026-27/124 is given. It has been claimed that with the aim of promoting less cash economy and increasing digital payments, the printing of notes of Rs 10, 20 and 50 is being gradually reduced.
In the message, people have also been advised to fulfill their cash needs in advance during Diwali. It has also been said to promote the use of digital payment mediums like UPI, cards and net banking.
🚨 Beware of False Claims! A message being circulated on WhatsApp claims that the RBI has announced that new ₹10, ₹20 and ₹50 denomination banknotes may not be available in sufficient quantities ahead of Diwali. #PIBFactCheck: ❌ The claim is FAKE. ✅ The @RBI has made NO such announcement regarding the availability of small denomination banknotes. ℹ️ Verify information through official sources and do not share unverified claims.
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) November 2, 2026
The truth behind the fake circular with RBI logo
The logo of the Reserve Bank, the alleged circular number and the name of the Governor have been used in the viral document. It has been claimed that an official advisory has been issued regarding the availability of small notes.
However, PIB Fact Check rejected this claim and said that RBI has not made any announcement regarding the shortage of small notes before Diwali.
PIB has advised people to verify news related to banking and currency from official sources before trusting it. Sharing a message further without checking it can spread misinformation.
Any circular or announcement circulated in the name of RBI on social media can be confirmed through the official website of RBI.
Source: ndtv.in
