RBI launches mobile app MANI for visually impaired

The Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday launched a unique mobile application for aiding visually impaired persons to identify the denomination of Indian bank notes.

The application -- Mobile Aided Note Identifier -- was launched by RBI Governor.

At present, Indian bank notes contain several features which enable the visually impaired to identify them, viz., intaglio printing and tactile mark, variable bank note size, large numerals, variable colour, monochromatic hues and patterns.

"Technological progress has opened up new opportunities for making Indian bank notes more accessible for the visually impaired, thereby facilitating their day to day transactions," the RBI said in a statement.

As per the statement, the mobile app is capable of identifying the denominations of "Mahatma Gandhi Series and Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series" bank notes by checking "front or reverse side or part of the note including half folded notes at various holding angles and broad range of light conditions".

Feature-wise, the app is capable of identifying the denomination through audio notification in either Hindi or English and non-sonic mode such as vibration.

Besides, it can be navigated via voice controls.

"After installation, the mobile application does not require internet and works in offline mode," the statement added.