In an interview to India Today magazine, excerpts of which were telecast in text form on India Today TV, PM Modi explained his decision and explained a lot of topics, which have been a part of discussion circle ever since Modi announced the historic demonetisation program.
Here are some of the important points from it:
About Manmohan Singh
PM Modi took on his predecessor Manmohan Singh’s reference to “organised loot” during the latter’s speech on demonetisation in Parliament and said it must have been in the context of his own (UPA) government.
“Regarding Manmohan Singh ji, it is interesting that the words ‘monumental mismanagement’ came from a leader who has been at the helm of India’s economic journey for around 45 years,” Modi said.
“His reference to organised loot was perhaps a reference to the unending string of scams under his leadership… from the coal to 2G and CWG (2010 Commonwealth Games) scams. Demonetisation, on the other hand, is an unprecedented step to confiscate the loot of the corrupt,” he said.
About the Timing
We announced demonetisation on November the 8th because Post Diwali period is a period of relative lull and our economy was in a good shape. Only when your economy is in good shape, you can afford to think of implementing radical steps such as demonetisation.
Is Demonetisation a short term electoral politics program?
The Prime Minister said he would not have taken the decision to scrap old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes if he was guided by short-term electoral politics.
“I pity a few of our opponents, especially the Congress leadership, for the desperation they have been exhibiting. Congress leaders are entirely preoccupied with only one thing — elections. There is nothing political in the demonetisation,” Modi said to India Today.
“We took the demonetisation decision not for some short-term windfall gain but for a long term structural transformation,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister also clarified that the objective behind the decision was to clean up the economy and curb the menace of black money.
“Our objective was to clean up the economy and society of the menace of black money, purging the distrust, artificial pressures and other ills that came with it,” he said.
“The revenue collected will be used for the welfare of the poor, downtrodden and the marginalised.”
About Digital Transactions
Digital transactions facilitate formal accounting and sizing of the economy,” he said.
“They also deliver greater tax compliance,” he added.
About frequent notifications and changing rules
“One must be able to distinguish between ‘neeti’ (policy) and ‘rann neeti’ (strategy) and not put them in the same basket. The decision of demonetisation, which reflects our ‘neeti’, is unequivocally clear, unwavering and categorical,” the PM Modi said to India Today.
“Our ‘rann neeti’, however, needed to be different, aptly summarised by the age-old saying of ‘tu daal daal, main paat paat’. We must stay two steps ahead of the enemy. When problems are identified, we respond promptly and take necessary steps,” he added.
Modi said it speaks of the government’s “agility in responding quickly and keeping up with the evolving situation”.
“I know many will prefer if we issue one guideline and then allow them to walk roughshod over it. let me assure them that no such thing will happen,” Modi said.
Source: IANS
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