98% ₹2,000 notes flushed out of market, still legal tender: RBI

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has said that 98.42% of ₹2,000 notes have been returned to the banking system as of January 31, 2026, leaving only ₹5,609 crore in circulation. Though withdrawn from active use, the notes remain legal tender. RBI continues to allow deposits and limited exchanges through its issue offices.