Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a fervent appeal to fellow citizens to bear for another fifty days. He was addressing a gathering in Goa. Acknowledging that there is difficulty in getting cash, he said that the steps are necessary to cleanse the system of the corrupt money, as was mandated by the people when it elected him. He told people that he had confronted very powerful people through this demonetization move but that he is unconcerned. “I shall continue to fight corruption and black money even if they burn me”, he said. The prime minister also revealed that many MPs had requested him not to make PAN mandatory for jewellery purchase.
Modi blamed the previous government for having done nothing to stop this. He noted that for the first time Rs 67,000 crore black money was deposited under amnesty scheme; and a total of Rs 1,25,000 cr has been deposited in government exchequer. Reiterating that the steps taken were not a display of arrogance, he added that he has also lived in poverty and understand the problem of people. This suffering is for 50 days only. “Those who are affected by this can cry and make noise but my honest countrymen, please support me for the next 50 days”, pm asked. Modi became sentimental when he said “you can punish me if I had made a mistake”.
Meanwhile ATMs have started functioning, dispensing 100 rupee notes for maximum of 20 notes or 2000 rupees. The distribution of 500 rupee notes has also started in Delhi. Unfortunately many ATMs require to be reconfigured which could take upto 10 or 15 days. To reduce the difficulties on the common man, the government has extended the exemptions. Railways, chemists, hospitals, petrol bunks shall continue to accept these notes till November 14, while the tolls shall remain free until then.
