The Reserve Bank of India will be reintroducing the Rs. 5 notes in the existing design with the Ashoka Pillar watermark in the watermark window and the Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right side on the obverse. The reverse of the note depicts a farmer ploughing a field with a tractor. The colour scheme of the note, as in the existing design, is predominantly light green and mild pink. The five rupee note now being issued does not carry any inset letter in the numbering panel. The denominational value of the note is expressed in 15 languages in the language panel on the obverse. The note bears the signature of the Governor, Dr. Bimal Jalan.

These five rupee notes will be initially issued from Mumbai office from May 25, 2001 and subsequently from other offices of the Reserve Bank.

All Rs.5 denomination notes issued by the Reserve Bank in the past will continue to be legal tender.