Bhutan banks to be supplied with new Indian currency: Official

In response to a request from Bhutan, where Indian currency is legal tender, the Reserve Bank of India has instructed that banks in that country be replenished with new Indian currency notes, a senior official said on Thursday.

Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das told reporters here that a committee has been set up to examine the issue of supplying new rupee banknotes to neighbouring Nepal and Bhutan where Indian currency is legal tender.

He said that on the request of Bhutan in the matter, the RBI has issued instructions for replenishment of new Indian currency stocks in the banks in Bhutan.

The committee concerned is, however, yet to take a decision on Indian currency replenishments for banks in Nepal.

The Indian government announced the demonetisation of high-value notes on November 8 in a bid to curb black money, counterfeting and terror financing.

--IANS

bc/vd