Small notes from big machines: ATMs to give ₹10, ₹20 and ₹50 notes

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) – Often, handing over a 500 rupee note while traveling in a market, auto, or bus poses a challenge. Whether it's to shopkeepers or auto drivers, the answer is often, "I don't have change." The shortage of smaller notes (10, 20, and 50 rupee notes) has been affecting the daily needs of ordinary people. Now, news of relief from this problem has emerged.

The central government is working on a plan to install hybrid ATMs to address the shortage of small notes. These ATMs will not only be limited to cash withdrawals, but will also allow the exchange of larger notes for smaller ones. This means that by inserting a 500 or 200 rupee note, you can now obtain ₹10, 20, and 50 rupee notes from the machine.

Trial begins in Mumbai

The plan is currently being trialed in Mumbai. According to the report, these hybrid ATMs will be installed in high-traffic areas like markets, railway stations, bus terminals, hospitals, and government offices, where cash is most needed.

Cash-dependent segments will find relief.

Even though digital payments are growing rapidly, daily wage laborers, small shopkeepers, vegetable vendors, and daily travelers still rely on cash. For them, a shortage of change remains a major daily problem. Hybrid ATMs could prove to be a significant relief for this segment.

RBI also plays an important role

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is also playing an active role in this plan. If necessary, increasing the printing of smaller denomination notes is also being considered to ensure that ATMs do not run out of change. The government and the RBI have clearly stated that the goal is not to eliminate cash, but to make it more convenient and accessible to the public.