Demonetisation has led to societal changes, says Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday gave several examples to buttress his stand that November 8 demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes has led to societal and attitudinal changes in the country.

During the 26th edition of his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address, Modi, referring to media reports, said the public hardships caused by the cash crunch have united the people in strange ways.

For instance, he said, a restaurant on the National Highway-6 in Maharashtra's Akola district has put up a board, saying customers with no new currency could still eat and pay later whenever they pass by the spot again.

The Prime Minister said a newly married young woman from Surat in Gujarat treated guests at her wedding to tea instead of a lavish feast in view of the ongoing cash crunch.

"The groom's side accepted the hospitality with grace... My best wishes and congratulations to the newly married couple Bharat Maru and Diksha Parmar," Modi said.

Modi then talked of tea plantation workers in a small village of Dhekiajuli in Assam where they get paid weekly.

"When they got the new Rs 2,000 note, a few women went to the market in a group and bought things with a single note. They decided to settle their accounts among themselves later on. There was no problem of change as they bought collectively," the Prime Minister said.

He said the municipal bodies have got their long-pending tax dues after demonetisation.

"The municipal bodies have earned Rs 13,000 crore in a week. This money will be spent on development of neglected areas," Modi said.

--IANS

mak/tsb/vt