The Centre has approved the Reserve Bank of India's proposal to introduce polymer banknotes in ₹10 and ₹20 denominations for field trials, but said there is no proposal to replace existing paper currency with plastic notes.Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha on Monday, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said the RBI, with the recommendation of its Central Board, had proposed the introduction of one billion pieces each of ₹10 and ₹20 polymer banknotes for field trials, followed by regular issuance after the successful completion of the trials. The proposal has been approved by the government.Also Read: Economics of plastic notes: Why RBI is considering polymer banknotesThe minister said the RBI has informed the government that international studies show polymer banknotes have a significantly longer lifespan than paper notes, making them more durable.On concerns about the impact on digital payments, Chaudhary said the introduction of polymer notes is still in a preliminary phase and any effect on digital transactions can only be assessed after their regular issuance. He added that banknotes and digital payment systems are complementary modes of payment available to the public.The government also clarified that polymer notes will be issued alongside existing paper-substrate banknotes and that there is no proposal to replace paper currency entirely with polymer-based notes.