The new Rs 2000 note has probably been scrutinised more than any other note in the history of notes. People have dipped it in water, analysed its design, its colour, put it in the freezer, and of course rubbed it to see if its colour comes off. In fact many videos came on social media which showed that the new Rs 2000 note bled a pink colour when rubbed with a tissue paper. Some people even began claiming that this proved that it is a fake note and the RBI had been printing poor quality of counterfeit currency. So what is the truth?
The Economic Affairs Secretary Mr Shaktikanta Das set the record straight yesterday:
He clearly says that even the earlier notes of Rs 500 or Rs 1000 and even the current Rs 100 notes tend to bleed colour, because they use a special kind of ink called the “Intaglio” ink. He says that even if you take a new Rs 100 note and rub it vigorously with a cotton piece, some colour will definitely come out. The reason he explains, is that this is the inherent nature of the ink called Intaglio. Further, he goes on to say that if the colour doesn’t come off, then it maybe a fake currency note.
Will this explanation be enough to quell rumours? Will it satisfy the appetite of conspiracy theorists?