In the two and half years following the Indian currency demonetisation of 2016, a number of highly colourful new notes have been introduced into the system. We’ve had the new magenta Rs. 2000 and grey Rs. 500 notes, the purple Rs. 100 note, the blue Rs. 50 note and brown Rs. 10 note. We even got a brand new, never-before orange Rs. 200 note. Now we are to have a new Rs. 20 note.
The Reserve Bank of India announced the launch of a new Rs. 20 note in the Mahatma Gandhi (new) series. In a statement, RBI said that the note would feature an image of the Ellora Caves to reflect our cultural heritage.
It is clarified that the old pink Rs. 20 notes will continue to be in circulation and will continue to be accepted as legal tender. This video tells you more about the note.
Some commentators thought that the colour seems a little indecisive… as though they couldn’t decide between green and yellow.
The ever-witty Ramesh Srivats thought this is a tribute to arguably the most popular IPL team ever, the Chennai Super Kings.
The lemony colour seems to remind a lot of people of beverages such as aam panna and/or Mountain Dew. The drink made from unripe mangoes has a similar greenish yellow colour.
Some seemed not to approve of the colour of the note and wondered who chose the turmeric-milk-like colour.
With so many colourful notes already in circulation, the new Rs. 20 note adds yet another hue to the currency collection.
While a few commentators had this uncomplimentary reaction to the note's colour, another thought that the colour of that of another bodily emission. The likeness of the colour to ‘gaumutr’ (cow urine) was also suggested by a commentator.
A few commentators wanted to know why existing currency needs to be changed at all.
Several people pointed out that the designing, printing and logistical aspect of introducing new notes, is accomplished at great cost to the exchequer.
A lot of people were asking when the government was planning to reintroduce the much-missed Rs. 1000 note.
The new note is the colour of jaundice felt a few. They also thought that this is fitting, given the high level of toxic pollution in most of our cities; which leads to all sorts of health issues.
Some were even less complimentary about the colour of the note. They felt that the note seems to reflect the poor condition of the economy as well as the weak exchange rate of the rupee in recent times.
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