Even After Two Years, ₹6,181 Crore in ₹2000 Notes Remain in Circulation — RBI Urges Public to Deposit Them
Even after two full years since the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the withdrawal of ₹2000 currency notes, a significant chunk of these notes is still in circulation. According to a fresh report from India TV, as of May 31, 2025, ₹6,181 crore worth of ₹2000 notes have yet to return to the banking system.
Back in May 2023, RBI announced that ₹2000 notes would be gradually phased out from circulation. At that time, there were ₹3.56 lakh crore worth of ₹2000 notes in the economy. Since then, the majority of the notes have been returned to banks. As per the RBI's recent data:
98.26% of the total ₹2000 notes have been returned
Only ₹6,181 crore worth of these notes remain unaccounted for
Yes, as per the RBI’s clarification, the ₹2000 note is still considered legal tender. If you possess one, you can still deposit it into your bank account. However, its usage in daily transactions has become rare, and most businesses and vendors no longer accept it due to low circulation and public hesitation.
Earlier, all banks accepted these notes, but after October 7, 2023, general bank deposits were discontinued. Now, you have two ways to deposit your ₹2000 notes:
You can walk into any of the 19 designated RBI regional offices across the country to deposit your ₹2000 notes. They will accept the notes and credit the amount to your account.
If you're unable to visit an RBI office, you can use India Post to send your ₹2000 notes to the RBI and have the equivalent amount credited to your bank account. Ensure proper documentation and follow official guidelines during this process.
This is the question puzzling many. If most of the currency has returned, why haven’t the remaining ₹6,181 crore been deposited? Here are some possible reasons:
Some individuals may still be holding onto these notes, intentionally or unintentionally
Lack of awareness about the current deposit process
Notes may be lost, damaged, or discarded over time
A fraction could be held as keepsakes or collectibles
The ₹2000 note was introduced in 2016, right after the demonetization of ₹500 and ₹1000 notes. It was meant to quickly replenish cash in the system and was used for large-value transactions. At the time, printing each note cost the RBI about ₹3.54.
However, due to concerns over hoarding, low usage in retail transactions, and easier monitoring, the RBI began reducing the printing of ₹2000 notes and ultimately decided to phase them out.
If you still have one or more ₹2000 notes:
Don’t panic — they are still valid.
Visit your nearest RBI regional office or send them via India Post.
Avoid using them in general market transactions, as many vendors may not accept them.
Act soon to avoid complications in the future if RBI decides on further restrictions.
Even though the majority of ₹2000 notes have been returned, over ₹6,000 crore worth are still outside the banking system. The RBI has urged people to come forward and deposit the remaining notes, ensuring better monetary control and public trust.
If you're holding onto one, now is the time to act — deposit it and secure your money.
