Special identification features in notes for visually impaired

Mumbai: RBI on Thursday said special features have been introduced in Rs 100, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination notes to help visually impaired easily identify them.

"... the size of the Identification Mark in Rs 100, Rs 500 & Rs 1,000 denominations has been increased by 50 per cent and angular bleed lines -- 4 lines in 2 blocks in Rs 100, 5 lines in 3 blocks in Rs 500 and 6 lines in 4 blocks in Rs 1,000 denominations -- have been introduced," it said.

In the new numbering pattern, the numerals in both the number panels of these denominations ascend in size from left to right, while the first three alphanumeric characters (prefix) remain constant in size.

"Printing the numerals in ascending size is a visible security feature in the bank notes so that the general public can easily distinguish a counterfeit note from a genuine one," RBI said.

Reserve Bank of India is issuing bank notes in Mahatma Gandhi Series 2005 with a new numbering pattern and special features for the visually impaired in Rs 100, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations.

The design of bank notes of Rs 100, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination is similar in all other respects to the current design of bank notes in Mahatma Gandhi Series 2005.

All the bank notes in these denominations issued in the past will continue to be legal tender.

In yet another notification, the RBI "reproduced" the guidelines on the operations in such foreign currency accounts opened with banks by foreign shipping or airline companies or their agents in India "with a view to ensuring strict compliance" of the norms.

According to the guidelines, credits to such foreign currency accounts would be only by way of freight or passage fare collections in India or inward remittances through normal banking channels from the overseas principal.

Debits will be towards various local expenses in connection with the management of the ships/crew in the ordinary course of business.

Also, no credit facility (fund based or non-fund based) will be granted against security of funds held in such accounts.