I got this mail. This is for the kind information of all the members. KARNATI SRINIVAS School Assistant Social studies ZPHS boys near old bus stand Suryapet Pin Code 508213
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Abhishek Sayam <[email protected]> Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2026, 5:23 pm Subject: Fw: Subject: Representation regarding the integration of robust, tactile accessibility features and stakeholder consultation in the upcoming pilot project for polymer plastic currency notes. To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Dear Sir, This is with reference to your email dated June 26, 2026, regarding the integration of tactile accessibility features and stakeholder consultation for polymer currency notes. 2. In this regard, please note that in the case of lower denomination banknotes, variable banknote sizes, large numerals, and distinct colour schemes assist the visually impaired, particularly colour-blind and partially sighted individuals, in identifying banknotes. 3. As we are currently evaluating the introduction of polymer banknotes, it is anticipated that the polymer substrate itself will enhance tactile identification for the visually impaired. Additionally, relative differences in the dimensions of polymer banknotes may also aid in differentiating denominations. 4. Regarding your suggestion on Active Stakeholder Engagement, we assure you that we will consider consulting such stakeholders including your association during the introduction of polymer banknotes in higher denominations, as and when such a decision is taken. We again thank you for your suggestions and active interest in the currency related matters. साभार / Regards, अभिषेक सयाम / Abhishek Sayam प्रबन्धक/ Manager मुद्रा प्रबंधन विभाग/ Department of Currency Management भारतीय रिज़र्व बैंक/ Reserve Bank of India केंद्रीय कार्यालय/ Central Office मुंबई / Mumbai फोन / Phone: 9005671474 ________________________________ From: Srinivas Karnati <[email protected]<mailto: [email protected]>> Sent: Friday, June 26, 2026 19:27 To: Governor, Reserve Bank Of India Subject: Subject: Representation regarding the integration of robust, tactile accessibility features and stakeholder consultation in the upcoming pilot project for polymer plastic currency notes. "External Email Warning: Please exercise care." Date 26 june 2026 To, The Governor, Reserve Bank of India, 18th Floor, Central Office Building, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Mumbai – 400001 Email ID: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Subject: Representation regarding the integration of robust, tactile accessibility features and stakeholder consultation in the upcoming pilot project for polymer plastic currency notes. Respected Sir, We take pleasure in introducing the Visually-challenged Employees Association (VCEA), Telangana—the sole democratically elected, representative body of blind and low-vision employees working across the State. With 17 district branches, VCEA is actively engaged in significant interventions concerning the empowerment, education, advocacy, technology, and research for the visually impaired. Ensuring equality, inclusion, and non-discrimination in state and national policies remains one of our primary core mandates. We are writing to you on behalf of the visually impaired community to bring forward a matter of critical importance concerning the universal accessibility of our national currency. It has come to our attention that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning a pilot project to introduce new polymer plastic currency notes in the denominations of ₹10, ₹20, and ₹50, which will eventually substitute the existing paper notes. While the shift to durable polymer material is a commendable step toward increasing the lifespan of currency, it presents a vital, timely opportunity to rectify long-standing accessibility barriers. As you are aware, the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series substantially reduced the size differences between denominations, rendering them practically indistinguishable by touch. While the RBI’s introduction of the Mobile Aided Note Identifier (MANI) app was a welcome digital aid, it has severe limitations in noisy, outdoor, low-connectivity environments, or for individuals who do not own smartphones. Digital applications cannot substitute for intrinsic, tactile accessibility on physical notes. This current limitation forces visually impaired citizens to compromise their independence and rely heavily on sighted individuals for daily cash transactions. To ensure that the upcoming polymer series is universally inclusive, we urge the RBI to align this initiative with domestic legislation, international treaties, and existing judicial mandates: 1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016: Under Section 40, the Central Government is mandated to lay down standards of accessibility. As an instrumentality of the State, the RBI has a statutory obligation to ensure that financial infrastructure—including legal tender—is accessible on an equal basis. 2. United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD): As a signatory since 2007, India is bound by Article 9 (Accessibility) and Article 20 (Personal Mobility) to remove systemic barriers to financial systems. 3. Judicial Directions (Delhi High Court Mandate): In a landmark batch of petitions (including *Rohit Dandriyal & Ors v. RBI & Anr* and petitions by the *All India Confederation of the Blind*), the Hon’ble Delhi High Court explicitly mandated that the RBI and the Government of India must address the impediments faced by the visually impaired and integrate workable structural suggestions before issuing or printing any fresh series of currency. International experiences in countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Singapore demonstrate that polymer currency can successfully incorporate durable, long-lasting tactile features. Guided by the disability rights principle of **"Nothing About Us Without Us,"** we earnestly request the RBI to incorporate the following parameters and methodologies during this pilot formulation stage: 1. Core Design & Tactile Parameters** Significant Size Disparity: A definitive, progressive scaling of both length and width between the ₹10, ₹20, and ₹50 notes to allow easy physical differentiation. Geometric Shape Identifiers: Unique edge-cuts, altered corners, or shape-based tactile boundaries specific to each denomination. Durable Bleed Lines & Braille Dots: Strongly embossed tactile marks or Braille dots chemically molded into the polymer so they do not flatten or fade over prolonged circulation. Intaglio (Raised) Typography & Enhanced Contrast: Thick, raised-ink printing of alphanumeric values, alongside sharp visual contrast and distinct color schemes to facilitate ease of use for persons with low vision. 2. Consultative & Testing Process** Active Stakeholder Engagement: Formally engage representative organizations of blind and low-vision persons during the initial design, testing, and evaluation stages of the proposed polymer notes. Pre-Rollout User Testing: Conduct comprehensive user testing of proposed prototypes with blind and low-vision individuals in real-world scenarios before finalization and large-scale manufacturing. Institutionalized Guidelines: Develop and adopt permanent accessibility guidelines for future currency design so that inclusivity remains a core consideration in all modernization efforts. The proposed polymer banknotes offer India a unique opportunity to become a global leader in accessible currency design. VCEA would be happy to assist the RBI by facilitating user consultations, sharing international best practices, participating in pilot testing, and providing technical inputs. We would highly welcome an opportunity to meet the concerned officials to contribute constructively to this important initiative. By integrating these features, the RBI will not only honor statutory and judicial mandates but will also empower millions of visually impaired citizens to conduct daily transactions with dignity, privacy, and complete independence. Thanking you in anticipation. Yours faithfully, (KARNATI SRINIVAS)* General Secretary Visually-challenged Employees Association (VCEA), Telangana ================================================================== This email is scanned by Anti-Spam and Anti-phishing solution at our Data Centre and is found to be clean. ________________________________ Caution: The Reserve Bank of India never sends mails, SMSs or makes calls asking for personal information such as your bank account details, passwords, etc. It never keeps or offers funds to anyone. 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