Mann Ki Baat: PM?Modi remembers Malviya, Vajpayee

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the nation on the 27th edition of his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio programme.

Prime Minister Modi began his address by wishing 'Merry Christmas' to the nation.

Below are the highlights:

1. I wish you all a merry Christmas. This is a day of service and compassion.

2. Jesus not just served the poor, but also appreciated the service done by poor. This is real empowerment.

3. Today is also Madan Mohan Malviya ji's birth anniversary. He gave modern teaching a whole new direction.

4. Today is also the birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. The country will never forget his contribution.

5. Today there is curiosity among the people as to how can one go cashless. The people want to learn from each other.

6. The government has launched two schemes today - 'Lucky Grahak Yojana' and 'Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana.

7. On the occasion of Christmas, the nation will get two schemes as gift.

8. Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana is mainly for businessmen, they must encourage cashless transactions.

9. You will be surprised to know that 30 crore people in India have RuPay cards, of

those 20 crore belong to poor families.

11. Cashless transactions have increased by 200-300% in recent times.

12. In the last few days, cashless transactions across the country have increased by 200-300%.

13. Awareness towards online payments and using technology for economic transactions is increasing.

14. I congratulate the Assam government in particular for taking initiatives to promote cashless economy.

16. Appreciate Assam Government for their efforts to turn towards digital payments and transactions.