Nepal’s currency is getting a fresh look, with an international touch! The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the country’s central bank, has awarded a contract to China Bank Note Printing and Minting Corporation (CBPMC) to print new banknotes. This deal covers denominations like the NRs 50, NRs 500, and the updated NRs 1,000 notes.
It’s not CBPMC’s first time printing for Nepal; they’ve handled other denominations previously and secured this new contract with the lowest bid. The Chinese firm will be responsible for designing, printing, and supplying these notes within nine months, all under the NRB’s watchful eye and approval.
The upcoming NRs 1,000 note will feature some new details. You’ll spot seven rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower, symbolizing its seven provinces – a brand new addition! Plus, it will carry the signature of the current Governor, Prof Dr Biswo Nath Poudel, marking his debut on this series of banknotes.
However, the story of Nepal’s currency goes beyond design updates. The central bank recently issued new NRs 100 notes that feature a revised map. This map now includes the territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura. While Nepal asserts these areas belong to them based on an 1816 treaty, India strongly disputes this, having called such changes a “unilateral act.” It’s worth noting that this updated map has also appeared on Nepal’s NRs 1 and NRs 2 coins a couple of years ago, highlighting an ongoing territorial discussion reflected even on its money.
