Demonetisation: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for digital financial transactions in rural areas

Hailing the Centre's demonetisation move, spiritual guru and Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Saturday said it's a good opportunity to give impetus to cashless transactions, adding that digital financial transactions must be promoted in rural areas.

"A right decision has been taken at the right time. It is very much needed. The common man should depend on e-transaction. There are some temporary difficulties but if we consider the nation's future, it's a great step. It's a good opportunity to give impetus to cashless transactions. Digital financial transactions must be promoted in rural areas," he told the media.

Defending the Centre's decision, Prime Minister Modi yesterday said the demonetisation move had empowered the common man in the fight against black money, while taking a swing at the opposition and critics saying they were flustered as they were caught off guard.

"Those criticising the demonetisation move don't have problem with government's preparedness; they have problem that they didn't get time to prepare," the Prime Minister said.

"The common citizen of India has become a soldier against corruption and black money," he added while stressing on the need for India to move towards a cashless economy.