Debate on Demonitisation in Rajya Sabha
Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha today made a forceful demand for a probe into the demonetization of 500 and 1000 rupee notes, amid government assertion that the step is in national interest to address the issue of corruption and black money.
The opposition alleged that there has been a selective leakage of the decision to benefit members of the ruling party. Participating in the discussion, Sharad Yadav of JD(U) said poor people, labourers and farmers have been affected most by the government’s decision. Supporting the demand for a probe, Sitaram Yechury of the CPIM alleged that the government is unaware of the problems of the common man. He urged the government to allow white transactions in old notes till alternative arrangements are made. He also said that the government has failed in achieving the declared objectives of the demonetization. Echoing the same view, BSP leader Mayawati alleged that the government is trying to divert attention of the nation from its unfulfilled promise. She described the current situation as financial emergency.
Earlier, opening the debate Anand Sharma of the Congress said as per official figures only a small fraction of Indian currency is fake.
Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mayawati of BSP wanted the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the discussion. Rajya Sabha member Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav said never such a grave situation has arisen, not even during Emergency, when people are not able to purchase the items of daily needs. He claimed that it has become a law and order problem and the administration is forced to deploy police forces near banks and ATMs. He also questioned the printing of two thousand rupee notes. Intervening in the debate, Power Minister Piyush Goyal said the decision has been hailed by common man.
Another Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu appealed to all political parties for a constructive and meaningful debate to address the menace of black money. He described the demonetisation as a war against black money. Mr. Naidu said the step is for flushing out illegal money being operated by terrorist, Maoists, separatists and smugglers.
Earlier, the House took up the discussion on demonetization suspending the listed business on the opening day of the Winter Session. The discussion will continue tomorrow.