On standard Indian currency notes whose signature appears as the official signatory on behalf of the issuing authority?

Introduction / Context:
Every Indian currency note carries certain standard features such as the denomination, security elements and an official signature. Recognising whose signature appears on banknotes is a basic element of financial and civic literacy, and questions about it are very common in competitive examinations and banking awareness sections.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The question asks whose signature is printed on Indian currency notes. - It refers to normal banknotes, not commemorative coins. - The options list four high ranking constitutional or economic functionaries Finance Minister, RBI Governor, Prime Minister and President of India. - We assume knowledge of the role of the Reserve Bank of India as the issuing authority.

Concept / Approach:
Under the Reserve Bank of India Act, the RBI is the sole authority empowered to issue banknotes in India, except for one rupee notes which are issued by the Government of India. For the majority of denominations, the promise to pay the bearer is signed by the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. Currency notes therefore carry the RBI Governor signature, signifying the backing and responsibility of the central bank rather than of a political office holder such as the Prime Minister or Finance Minister.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that most Indian banknotes contain the printed line I promise to pay the bearer the sum of ... Step 2: Notice that this promise is followed by the printed name and signature of the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. Step 3: Understand that the Finance Minister presents the Union Budget and oversees economic policy, but does not sign banknotes. Step 4: Recognise that the Prime Minister and President are constitutional heads but do not act as the issuing authority for banknotes under the RBI Act. Step 5: Therefore, the correct choice is RBI Governor.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you physically examine any common denomination note such as Rs 100, Rs 200 or Rs 500, you will clearly see the name and signature of the RBI Governor printed on it. Textbooks on banking and monetary policy also state that the RBI has the sole right to issue banknotes in India and that these notes carry the signature of the Governor. This direct observation and consistent documentation confirm that RBI Governor is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Finance Minister does not sign banknotes; their role is in policy making, taxation and budgeting. The Prime Minister leads the government but is not the authority specified in law for issuing currency notes. The President of India is the ceremonial head of state and likewise does not sign banknotes.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may assume that because currency is a matter of national sovereignty, the signatures of the highest political leaders like the President or Prime Minister must appear on notes. Others might confuse coins and one rupee notes, which are technically issued by the Government of India, with banknotes issued by the RBI. The key is to remember the specific legal role of the Reserve Bank of India and the fact that its Governor signature symbolises the central bank guarantee on the note.

Final Answer:
The signature printed on standard Indian currency notes is that of the RBI Governor.