Nepal Rastra Bank to Limit New Note Distribution for Dashain

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has decided not to distribute new and crisp banknotes on a large scale as part of the Dashain festivities this year. Instead, the central bank will provide new and clean notes based on actual demand, taking into account the losses caused by recent floods, landslides, and heavy rainfall across the country. According to Anuj Dahal, Executive Director of NRB’s Currency Management Department, members of the public will be able to obtain new and clean banknotes through the central bank’s regular exchange counters according to their requirements. Banks and financial institutions are also distributing such notes to their customers. Based on previous Dashain trends, NRB estimates that small-denomination banknotes worth around Rs. 10 billion to Rs. 15 billion could enter circulation during this year’s Dashain festival. The denominations most commonly exchanged during Dashain are Rs. 5, Rs. 10, Rs. 20, Rs. 50, and Rs. 100 notes.