New Delhi, Nov. 14 (PTI): A week ahead of the government's demonetisation announcement, the RBI had directed banks to recalibrate at least 10 per cent - or 20,000 - ATMs across the country so that they could "exclusively" dispense 100-rupee notes.

Banks were given 15 days to comply with the directions issued on November 2.

However, before the process could be completed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the nation on November 8 evening, announced that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes would cease to be legal tender from midnight.

The RBI notification said that in keeping with the objectives of the Clean Note Policy and to ensure that the "genuine requirement" of the public for Rs 100 notes were met, the banks should increase dispensation of Rs 100 notes through ATMs which are "widely used" for distribution of banknotes for retail use.

"With a view to encourage the banks in that direction, it has been decided to conduct a pilot project wherein 10 per cent of the ATMs in the country will be calibrated to dispense Rs 100 notes exclusively.

"You are, therefore, advised to configure/calibrate 10 per cent of your ATMs to facilitate this arrangement," said the RBI direction to the heads of all banks. It was not immediately clear how many banks had complied with the order.