New Delhi, Jan 2 (NationPress) The Central government has officially dismissed false claims circulating on social media that assert the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will cease the distribution of Rs 500 currency notes from ATMs by March 2026. PIB Fact Check, the fact-checking division of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), took to X to clarify that these statements are entirely unfounded.

According to the PIB's post, "RBI will stop Rs 500 notes from ATMs by March 2026" is a fabrication. The Central Bank has made NO such declaration.

Furthermore, the statement reassured the public that Rs 500 notes remain valid as legal tender. The PIB Fact Check urged individuals not to be misled by such misinformation and recommended verifying news from official sources before sharing it.

Last August, the government had already denounced a WhatsApp message claiming that the RBI had instructed banks to halt the issuance of Rs 500 notes from ATMs by September 30, stating that no such directive had been given. The misleading message also suggested that 90% of ATMs would stop dispensing Rs 500 notes by March 31, 2026, and 75% would do so by September 30.

The PIB Fact Check unit reiterated that the RBI has not issued any such orders and confirmed that Rs 500 notes continue as legal tender. In a statement on X, they emphasized that the widely circulated claim is false and advised the public to disregard such misinformation.

The Fact Check Unit highlighted the importance of confirming any financial news through official channels and warned that these types of messages are designed to mislead.

A similar rumor gained traction on social media in July, alleging that the RBI had a phased strategy to discontinue Rs 500 notes from ATMs by 2026. PIB Fact Check refuted that claim at the time, stating that no such order had been made.