Normalising rural banking services is a priority: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation on Saturday, said that normalising banking services, especially in the country's rural and remote areas, is a priority in the New Year.

"Efforts are on to normalise banking services in the New Year as soon as possible," he said.

"All the people concerned have been directed to function proactively to normalise banking services, especially in the rural and remote areas. They have been told to weed out even the smallest of weaknesses to ensure that problems of villagers and farmers are solved," he added.

Lauding the effort of the average Indian, he said what our country has witnessed over the past few weeks was unprecedented in the history of the world.

He also lauded everyone who helped to make the move a success, especially the bank employees who worked hard to help people convert their hard earned money.

Prime Minister Modi also criticised those who tried to throw a spanner in the works by helping the corrupt launder their money.

"Such people would not be spared. Again, a message that will find widespread currency across the country," he sternly added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced two new housing schemes benefiting the economically backward sections as well as financial aid for pregnant women.

He added that the law will deal with the dishonest and congratulated people for backing the government's demonetisation exercise.