The Reserve Bank of India will shortly issue Rs 20/- denomination banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi Series without any inset letter in the numbering panel bearing the signature of Dr. Y.V. Reddy, Governor. The new series 2006 banknotes will be of the same size and colour. While some of the security features of the existing Mahatma Gandhi series have been retained, some have been modified and a few new security features have been added.

The salient additional / new security features of banknote are as under:

See-through Register: The small floral design printed both on the front (hollow) and back (filled up) of the banknote in the middle of the vertical band next to the Watermark window has been replaced by the denominational numeral 20. Half of the numeral is printed on the front and half on the back. Both the printed portions have an accurate back to back registration so that the numeral appears as one when seen against light.

Electrolyte Watermark: In addition to the Mahatma Gandhi watermark, the denominational numeral viz.20 appears alongside the Mahatma Gandhi portrait in the watermark window.

Intaglio Printing: The portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, the Reserve Bank seal, Guarantee and Promise clause, Ashoka Pillar Emblem on the left, RBI Governor's signature and identification mark for the visually impaired printed in intaglio i.e. in raised prints, (felt by touch), have been made more prominent by increasing the depth.

There is no major change on the reverse of the banknote except the following:

Year of printing: Year of printing appears on the reverse of the banknote.

All banknotes in the denomination of Rs.20/- issued by the Reserve Bank in the past will continue to be legal tender.

Press Release : 2006-2007/228