A zero rupee note is a banknote imitation issued in India as a means of helping to fight systemic political corruption. The notes are “paid” in protest by angry citizens to government functionaries who solicit bribes in return for services which are supposed to be free.

Zero rupee notes, which are made to resemble the regular 50 rupee banknote of India, are the creation of a non-governmental organization known as 5th Pillar which has, since their inception in 2007, distributed over 2.5 million notes as of August 2014.

The notes remain in current use and thousands of notes are distributed every month.

Where to get Zero Rupee Note

Zero Rupee Notes were distributed by 5th Pillar volunteers in railway stations, bus stations, market places to raise awareness about bribery and reminding the public of their rights and alternative solutions that are otherwise available. Information desks were set up at the entrance of marriage halls during wedding ceremonies, birthday parties and social gatherings and Zero Rupee notes are distributed and information booklets and pamphlets were distributed.

The Zero Rupee Note – A Short Film

Corruption has spread like a deadly virus in India. This disease has infected not just the politicians or the government officials, but also men and women in uniform, businessmen and employees of large and small corporations and along with them, their families. Basically, all of us.

Before this “Sab kucch chalta hai” mindset destroys the very foundations of our nation, we must get together to tackle and eliminate corruption through a multi-pronged attack. ASK ALOUD, WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE AN HONEST PARENT OR A RICH ONE? No cure can be as effective and everlasting as the change in mindset of a billion Indians.

Mahatma Gandhi had said – Be the change you want to see in this world. So let us begin the change right at our homes.

5 Facts Every Indian Should Know About The Zero Rupee Note

#1 It resembles Indian currency note of Rs 50. But there are some important differences between the two notes.

#2 It is a polite way of saying that I cannot bribe you and I don’t have the money to bribe you.

#3 Over 3 million such currency notes have been distributed and good impact has been observed by people using it in terms of getting their job done easily.

#4 It was founded by 5thPillar, a Non-Profit Organization in 2007.

#5 You can also report the complaint to 5thPiller if the govt. official fails to do your work.