AMN /
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that there is no question of going back on the fight against corruption and black money stating that it is just the beginning and the war has to be won. He expressed gratitude to the people for extending support to the Government’s demonetisation move.
In his monthly Radio address, Mann Ki Baat programme on All India Radio, Mr Modi said, nothing is impossible if 125 crore Indians support any move.
The Prime Minister said, he had been in favour of a debate on corruption and black money in Parliament and had also been of the view that debate should be on political funding. He regretted that the debate could not take place in Parliament. He dismissed the rumours that political parties are exempted from taxation laws. Mr Modi said, law is for everyone, be it individual, organization or a political party.
Taking on the opposition, the Prime Minister said, those who are not able to openly support the fight against corruption and black money are engaged in finding fault with government rules and regulations. On criticism of the government for repeatedly changing rules post demonetization, Mr Modi said, changes are based on public feedback. He said, Government is always sensitive towards people and trying ways to remove their hardships and inconveniences.
Recalling his 8th November address to the nation on the eve of demonetisation, he said, those who had been indulging in dishonesty and corrupt means for seventy years are trying to discover new ways to defeat government’s move. On day to day searches against black money hoarders, the Prime Minister said, it is becoming possible because of public feedback. He said, the inputs about black money hoarders received from people are many times higher than those coming from government agencies. He thanked vigilant citizens for exposing the corrupt by taking high risk.
Mr Modi said, his government has revived the Benami Property legislation giving it more teeth to deal with the menace. He said, the law, which was kept on back-burner since 1988, will be implemented stringently in the coming days. He said, the government will do whatever is needed in public interest and national interest.
On cashless transactions, the Prime Minister expressed happiness that application of technology has gone up by 200 to 300 per cent during a short span of time. In this context, he spoke about relaxation given to businessmen for adopting digital payment system. He also spoke about several incentives given by state governments for promoting cashless trade.
The Prime Minister told the citizens that the two schemes Lucky Grahak Yojana and Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana are being launched today to promote cashless transactions. Mr Modi said the informal sector which accounts for highest number of employment is getting converted into formal plugging loopholes in the system. He said the poor labourers and artisans are getting their dues without any cut.
The Prime Minister welcomed the record sowing of crops during the ongoing rabi season saying it is a good sign for the national economy. Mr Modi said, India has improved its global ranking on several indicators in World Bank Business Report, World Investment Report, Global Competitiveness Report and Global Innovation Index 2016. He said, the reports indicate that India is progressing fast.
The Prime Minister said, it is heartening that a bill related to welfare of differently able persons or Divyangjan has been passed by Parliament. Thanking the Parliamentarians for extending support to the Bill, Mr Modi reiterated his Government’s commitment for Divyangjan. He said, four thousand three hundred fifty camps were organized for them during the last two years. He said, Government distributed equipments to 5.8 lakh Divyangs by spending 352 crore rupees.
Mr Modi congratulated Indian Cricket team, Junior Hockey team and Women Hockey team for their outstanding performance recently held tournaments. The Prime Minister extended his good wishes to the countrymen on the occasion of Christmas. Mr Modi paid tributes to Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya on his birth anniversary. He also greeted former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birthday.