RBI has no information on how much black money removed by note ban

Stating that an estimated Rs 15.28 (rpt) 15.28 lakh crore in junked notes has come back "subject to future corrections based on verification process", the Reserve Bank also said it has "no information" whether demonetisation is being planned to be implemented at regular intervals.

The RBI has been facing flak from the opposition parties for demonetization and delay in disclosing figures on the junked notes, even as the government has maintained that the November 8, 2016 decision to ban Rs 500/1,000 notes in circulation at that time has helped in curbing black money, among other benefits.

To a query on how much amount of black money has been extinguished as a result of demonetisation, the central bank said, "The RBI has no information in this regard."

The RBI gave similar reply to another question on how much unaccounted money has been legitimised through exchange of junked currency.

The central bank did not give any direct reply on adverse impact on the informal and unorganised sector, as also about the GDP loss. The RBI said the deceleration in overall economic growth figures for 2016-17 had begun "much before demonetisation" due to weakness in industrial and services sector.

Last week, several members of the panel had sought redrafting of its draft report on demonetisation as the RBI at that time had not provided some crucial details including on the quantum of junked Rs 500/1,000 notes.