RBI currency press refuses to disclose printing capacity
February 13, 2017 23:45
The currency note printing press of Reserve Bank of India has refused to disclose its printing capacity, even as similar information is available on its website.
Responding to an RTI application by Pune-based activist Vihar Dhurve, Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited cited 8(1)(a) of the Right to Information Act to deny information.
The section allows a public authority to withhold the information disclosure of which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State, relation with foreign State or lead to incitement of an offence.
The website of the press, however, mentions "the present capacity for both the presses is 16 billion note pieces per year on a 2-shift basis."
In his application, Dhurve had sought to know the printing capacity to print new currency notes of Rs 2000 and Rs 500.
Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited operates two currency note press, one at Mysore in Karnataka and the other at Salboni in West Bengal.
In an earlier response to a separate RTI application, the press had refused to give details of preparedness to tackle crisis arising out of the sudden demonetisation of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes on November 8, 2016.
According to Finance Ministry, the value demonetised currency was Rs 15.44 lakh crore.
The RBI has not been denying information about currency situation in the country and its preparedness in the wake of demonetisation citing one exemption or the other.
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances