People's power is of great significance in democracy: PM Modi

He expressed happiness in his Mann Ki Baat address that around 30 lakh people gave up their gas subsidy and termed it as a 'silent revolution'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that people's power is of great significance in a democracy.

"Various departments of the government analysed the suggestions given by the people," he said while addressing the nation in the 12th edition of his 'Mann ki Baat' programme.

"One of the fundamental principles of governance is that information must follow from bottom to top and guidance must follow from top to bottom," he added.

Saying khadi sales had doubled over one year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday again urged people to purchase khadi products.

Pointing out that there would be a month-long discount on khadi products from October 2, he said the income from handloom and khadi sales go to the poor weavers or their widows.

"So I urge you all to give space to khadi in your homes this Diwali," the prime minister said.

"It gives me great pleasure to announce that khadi sales have doubled over one year," he added, thanking people for having responded generously to a similar appeal he made last year.

Modi also announced that over three million families had surrendered their cooking gas subsidy following his call.

"Over 30 lakh families have surrendered their LPG subsidy, and not just the rich. Most are from the lower middle and middle classes like retired teachers, pensioners," he said.

"This is nothing but proof of that a silent revolution is on," he added.

He also said that he considers it good talking about cleanliness in the Parliament.

"Parliament talks about cleanliness now, I am also criticised for it but I do not consider this to be a bad thing," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing the nation.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also expressed his delight over the number of phone calls he received in his programme.

"I have tried something new this time- asked people to share their questions through telephone. I got over 55,000 calls," he said.

"One would feel there is negativity all around but the phone calls, they had so many suggestions and so much positivity," he added.