Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a slew measures for farmers, urban poor and small entrepreneurs besides housing loan subsidies for the poor and new incentives for senior citizens.
In a much-anticipated televised address to the nation, Modi thanked the people of India for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the government in the fight against blackmoney and fake notes by supporting the demonetization drive despite hardships.
“The days that followed this Diwali, people of India witnessed a cleansing ritual of historic proportions. This black money cleansing ritual will help the nation,” he began the speech
This is one instant where the people of the country has joined shoulders to shoulders of the government to fight it out, he said.
Demonetization has hit all activities dependent on blackmoney hard: like smuggling, terror, human trafficking, he said, adding that incidents in the cent few days show that those trying to be hoodwink the system have reached a dead end.
“Bank employees worked hard making days into night. Lakhs of women employees stayed back late to make this a success. So are the staff in post offices. Yes, there were some who committed crimes. Whoever tries to exploit the situation, they won’t be pardoned, he said.
“How long will we run away from the truth? You will be surprised that there only 24 lakh has accepted their income is above Rs 10 lakh. Look around you, big cars, big houses. Look at the metros, you will find lakhs of lakhs of rich people,” the PM said.
Modi observed that that in the past few days, ever since the demonetization drive of November 8, an impression has been created that the farm sector has been destroyed. But on the contrary the farmers have given a befitting reply to the sceptics by clocking an increase of 6% in the rabi sowing season, the PM said.