Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday accused the BJP-led Centre of attempting to privatise a crucial part of India’s currency note production after sharing on social media a tender-related notice issued by a Reserve Bank of India (RBI)-linked note printing company.
The controversy centres around a notice allegedly issued by Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited (BRBNMPL), which invites global expressions of interest from eligible firms for the manufacture and supply of specialised polymer substrate sheets with security features for .
Questioning the Centre’s intentions, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister claimed the move raised concerns about the future of currency note production in the country.
Taking to X, Yadav wrote, “Will even currency notes be privatised under the corrupt BJP regime now?”
He further criticised the government, saying, “The people of this country never imagined that the model of commission-taking would sink to such a level. If the country’s currency itself is not self-reliant, how can the economy and the nation become self-reliant? Will the government itself also be outsourced now?”
Akhilesh questions purpose of the tender
Referring to the tender notice, Yadav alleged that the process appeared to be a mere formality rather than a genuine attempt to invite bids.
“Behind issuing such a small, miserly tender for such a large and sensitive work, is there some hidden intention to merely complete a formality? It appears the arrangement has already been made and this exercise is only for show,” he said.
The Samajwadi Party chief also launched a political attack on the BJP, alleging, “The BJP is not a government; it is a partner of profiteers.”
What does the tender say?
According to the notice shared by Yadav, BRBNMPL has invited global expressions of interest from eligible bidders for the manufacture and supply of specialised polymer substrate sheets incorporating security features for Indian banknotes.
The notice states that interested firms can submit their bids under the prescribed process and that the bids are scheduled to be opened on August 18.