PM
MODI’S FULL SPEECH ON NEW YEAR’S EVE
പ്രധാനമന്ത്രിനരേന്ദ്ര മോദിയുടെ ടി.വി പ്രസംഗം .
Prime Minister
Narendra Modi today thanked the country for its cooperation in the
demonetisation drive which he launched suddenly on November 8. He has announced
several schemes for farmers and the poor. PM Modi praised the people for
bearing with hardships amid a cash crunch that has followed the ban on 500 and
1,000 rupee notes aimed at combating corruption and tax evasion and said he has
directed that the banking system return to normal at the earliest, particularly
in rural areas. A deadline to exchange old notes at banks ended yesterday,
December 30. Watch the full speech of PM Modi.
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My fellow citizens,
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In a few hours, we
will be ushering in the new year of 2017. 125 crore Indians will join the rest
of the world, in welcoming it with new hope, new energy and new dreams.
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Since Diwali, our
nation has been witness to a historic rite of purification. The patience,
discipline, and resolve displayed by 125 crore Indians, will play a critical
role in shaping the future of the nation for years to come.
·
With time, the
distortions of badness creep in. People feel suffocated in a bad environment,
and struggle to come out of it. Corruption, black money, and counterfeit notes
had become so rampant in India's social fabric, that even honest people were
brought to their knees.
·
People were forced by
circumstances, in defiance of their inherent goodness. It seemed at times, that
the evils and corruptions of society, knowingly or un - knowingly,
intentionally or un- intentionally, had become a part of our daily lives.
Developments post-Diwali have shown, that crores of Indians were looking for an
escape from this suffocation.
·
We have, during the
external aggressions, of 1962, 1965, 1971 and Kargil; witnessed the intrinsic
strength of our citizens. Such collective energy and patriotism is under-
standable, in the face of external threats.However, when crores of Indians
unite to fight a war against internal evils, it is unparalleled.
·
Indians have, with
firm resolve and infinite patience, faced difficulties with a smile,
re-defining the concept of sacrifice. We have lived these ideals. 125 crore
Indians have shown, in their fortitude, the importance we place in truth and
goodness. This has been written on the sands of time.
·
Indians have displayed
the strength of people power, utmost discipline, and the ability to discern the
truth in a storm of disinformation. They have shown that resolute honesty, can
defeat dishonesty.
·
They have shown how
much, even people trapped in poverty, are willing to do, to build a glorious
India. The people, through persistence, sweat and toil, have demonstrated to
the world, an unparalleled example of citizen sacrifice, for the brighter
future of a nation.
·
Usually, when people's
movements have arisen, the people and the government have been at loggerheads.
·
It is historic, that
both the people and the government are on the same side in this battle against
evil. The Government is well aware, that in this period, you had to queue up,
and face difficulty in withdrawing your own money. I received letters from many
people. They have shared their pain and sorrow with me, but also emphasized
their support. You have talked to me as one of your own. In this fight against
corruption and black money, it is clear that you wish to walk shoulder to
shoulder with us. For us in Government, this is a blessing.
·
My effort is to take
the banking system to normalcy as fast as possible in the new year. I have
asked all concerned officers in the Government to focus their attention to this
task. They have especially been told to proactively resolve the problems in
rural and remote areas.
·
Friends,
·
There is no precedent
globally, to what India has done. Nations similar to us do not have the amount
of currency that we had. Over the last ten to twelve years, 500 and 1000 rupee
currency notes were used less for legitimate transactions, and more for a
parallel economy. The excess of cash was fuelling inflation and
black-marketing. It was denying the poor, their due. Lack of cash causes
difficulty, but excess of cash is even more troublesome. Our aim is to achieve
a balance. Economists agree that when cash is outside the formal economy, it is
a cause of worry.When it joins the mainstream, it is an opportunity for
development.
·
I am sure, if great
sons of India like Jayaprakash Narayan, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Ram Manohar Lohia,
and Kamaraj had been present today, they would have applauded the patience,
discipline and resolve of our countrymen.
·
In the past few weeks,
there have been many gratifying instances - it would take weeks to list them.
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It is a healthy trend
for any nation, when the people wish to join the mainstream abiding by the law,
and helping the Government in serving the poor.
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Friends.
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How long will we
overlook facts that stare us in the face? I wish to share some information with
you, which will either make you laugh, or make you angry. According to
information with the Government, there are only 24 lakh people in India who
accept that their annual income is more than 10 lakh rupees. Can we digest
this? Look at the big bungalows and big cars around you.
·
If we look at any big
city, it would have lakhs of people with annual income of more than 10 lakh. Do
you not feel, that for the good of the country, this movement for honesty,
needs to be further strengthened?
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In this fight against
corruption and black money, it is natural to debate the fate of the dishonest.
What punishment will they get? The Law will take its own course, with its full
force. But the priority of the Government now is how to help the honest,
protect them, and ease their difficulty. How can honesty gain more prestige?
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This Government is a
friend of good people. And it aims to build an enabling environment for the
dishonest to return to the path of goodness.
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It is also a bitter
truth, that people have complaints of bad experiences at the hands of
Government machinery, and some government officers.
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This reality cannot be
wished away. No one can deny that Government officers have a greater
responsibility than common citizens.
·
Therefore, it is the
responsibility of all of us in Government, at central, state and local levels,
to protect the common man, help the honest, and isolate the dishonest.
·
Friends, It is
accepted the world over, that terrorism, Naxalism, Maoism, counterfeit currency
trade, drug trade, human trafficking - all of these depend on black money.
·
These evils have
become a festering sore on society and Governments.
·
Demonetistion has
dealt a severe blow to these trades.
·
Today, youth who had
turned to the wrong path, are returning to the mainstream in large numbers. If
we remain vigilant, we can now save our children from returning to those evil
ways of violence and cruelty. The fact that so much of the cash in circulation
has been deposited in the banking system indicates the success of this mission.
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Events of the last few
days indicate that escape routes for the dishonest have all been sealed.
Technology has played a big role. The habitual offenders will be forced to
abandon their misdeeds and join the mainstream.
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Friends, this also
represents a golden opportunity for the country's banking system. During this
period, bank employees have worked day and night.
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Female employees too,
worked till late hours as part of this mission.
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Post office staff,
banking correspondents- all did exceptional work.
·
Amid this herculean
effort, some grave crimes by some officers in some banks have come to light.
Some Government officers have also committed serious offences, and tried to
take advantage of the situation. They will not be spared.
·
At this historic
juncture, I wish to make an appeal to the banks.
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History is witness
that the Indian banking system has never received such a large amount of money,
in such a short time.
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While respecting the
autonomy of the banks, I appeal to them to move beyond their traditional priorities,
and keep the poor, the lower middle class, and the middle class at the focus of
their activities.
·
India is celebrating
the centenary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay as Garib Kalyan Varsh. Banks should
also not let this opportunity slip. They should take appropriate decisions in
public interest promptly.
·
When policies and
programmes are made with clear objectives in mind, not only are beneficiaries
empowered, but both short term, and long term benefits are achieved. Spending
is carefully scrutinized, and chances of good results are maximized.
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The more the villages,
the poor, the farmers, the dalits, the tribals, the marginalized, the
oppressed, the deprived and women are empowered, and financially enabled to
stand on their own feet, the stronger the country will become, and the faster
will be the pace of development.
·
Friends, to further
the principle of Sabka Saath - Sabka Vikaas, on the eve of the new year,
Government is bringing some new programmes for the people.
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Even so many years
after independence, millions of poor do not have their own home. When black
money increased in our economy, houses became out of reach of even the middle
class. The Government has taken some major decisions to ensure homes for the
poor, the neo middle class and the middle class.
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Two new middle income
categories have been created under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana in urban
areas. Loans of up to 9 lakh rupees taken in 2017, will receive interest
subvention of 4 per cent. Loans of up to 12 lakh rupees taken in 2017, will receive
interest subvention of 3 per cent.
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The number of houses
being built for the poor, under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana in rural areas,
is being increased by 33 per cent.
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In addition to this,
another scheme is being put in place for the neo middle and middle class in
rural areas. Loans of up to 2 lakh rupees taken in 2017, for new housing, or
extension of housing in rural areas, will receive an interest subvention of 3
per cent.
·
Friends in the last
few weeks, an impression was sought to be created that the agriculture sector
has been destroyed. Farmers themselves have given a fitting reply to those who
were doing so. Rabi sowing is up by 6 per cent compared to last year.
Fertilizer offtake is up by 9 per cent. During this period, the Government has taken
care to ensure that farmers do not suffer for want of access to seeds,
fertilisers and credit. Now, we have taken some more decisions in the interest
of farmers.
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Farmers who have taken
loans for the Rabi crop from District Cooperative Central Banks and Primary
Societies, will not have to pay interest on such loans for a period of 60 days.
Farmers who have paid interest during the last two months, will receive these
amounts back, directly into their bank accounts.
·
Arrangements are being
made to provide farmers even better access to loans from cooperative banks and
societies. NABARD created a fund of 21,000 crore rupees last month. Now,
Government is adding 20,000 crore rupees more to this. The loss that NABARD
suffers by giving loans to cooperative banks and societies at low interest
rates, shall be borne by the Government of India.
·
The Government has
decided, that 3 crore farmers who have Kisan Credit Cards, will be given RuPay
debit cards within three months. Kisan Credit Cards were launched in 1998, but
so far, it was essential to go to a bank, to use them. Now, farmers will have
RuPay Debit Cards, which they can use anywhere.
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Just as agriculture is
vital for the economy, so are the medium and small scale enterprises also
called the MSME sector. Government has taken some decisions in the interest of
small and medium businesses, which will also boost employment.
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Government of India
underwrites loans given by banks to small businesses through a trust. So far,
loans were covered upto one crore rupees. This limit is now being enhanced to 2
crore rupees. Earlier the scheme only covered bank loans. Hereafter it will
cover loans given by NBFCs as well. This decision will enable better access to
credit for small shop-owners and small enterprises. Banks and NBFCs will not
levy high interest on these loans, as Government of India is bearing the cost
of underwriting them.
·
Government has also
asked banks to raise the credit limit for small industry from 20 per cent of
turnover to 25 per cent.
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Banks have also been
asked to increase working capital loans from 20 per cent of turnover to 30 per
cent, for enterprises that transact digitally.
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Many people connected
with this sector have made cash deposits in the last few weeks. Banks have been
asked to take this into account when deciding on working capital.
·
A few days back,
Government announced a major tax relief for small businesses. Income of
businesses with turnover of up to Rs. 2 crores was calculated at 8% of the turnover. Now, for such
businesses income from digital transactions will be calculated at 6%. This will
effectively reduce their tax liability by 25%.
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Friends,
·
The progress of the
MUDRA Yojana has been very encouraging. Last year, nearly 3 and a half crore
people have benefited from this. The Government now aims to double this, giving
priority to Dalits, Tribals, Backward Classes and Women. A new scheme is being
launched for pregnant women.
·
We are introducing a
nation-wide scheme for financial assistance to pregnant women. 6000 rupees will
be transferred directly to the bank accounts of pregnant women who undergo
institutional delivery and vaccinate their children. This scheme will help
reduce the maternal mortality rate, in a big way. This will help ensure
nutrition before and after delivery, and improve the health of mother and
child. So far, pregnant women in 53 districts were being given financial
assistance of 4000 rupees, under a pilot project.
·
We are initiating a
scheme for senior citizens. Banks often reduce their deposit rates, when they
receive a large volume of money. This should not adversely impact senior
citizens. Under the scheme, senior citizens will receive a fixed interest rate
of 8 per cent for a period of 10 years, on deposits upto 7.5 lakh rupees. The
interest will be paid monthly.
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Friends,
·
Political parties,
political leaders and electoral funding, figure prominently in any debate on
corruption and black money.
·
The time has now come
that all political leaders and parties respect the feelings of the nation's
honest citizens, and understand the anger of the people.
·
It is true that from
time to time, political parties have made constructive efforts to improve the
system.
·
I urge all parties and
leaders to move away from a "holier than thou approach," to come
together in prioritising transparency, and take firm steps to free politics of
black money and corruption.
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In our country, people
ranging from the common man to the President, have at some point or another,
advocated simultaneous conduct of state and national elections.
·
This is to break the
endless cycle of elections, reduce election expenditure, and minimize pressure
on the administrative machinery.
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The time has come for
this to be seriously considered and debated.
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Positive change has
always found space in our country.
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We can now see a
positive momentum towards digital transactions in India.
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More and more people
are transacting digitally.
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Yesterday, Government
has launched a new, swadeshi platform for digital transactions - named BHIM
after Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar.
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BHIM stands for Bharat
Interface for Money. I call upon the youth, the trading community, and farmers
to connect with BHIM as much as possible. Friends, the developments, decisions,
and policies that were put in place after Diwali, will of course be evaluated
by economists.
·
It will be good if
social scientists also do the same.
·
As a nation, India's
villages, poor, farmers, youth, educated and uneducated men and women, have all
displayed infinite patience and people power. In a short time, the new year of
2017 will begin. Exactly 100 years ago, in 1917, Mahatma Gandhi initiated a
Satyagraha in Champaran. Now, a century later, we witness that the people of
India continue to share that feeling towards truth and goodness.
·
Today, Mahatma Gandhi
is not among us. But the path towards truth that he showed us, is still most
appropriate. As we begin the centenary year of the Satyagraha, let us recall
the Mahatma and resolve to follow his message of truth and goodness.
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We cannot allow this
fight against black money and corruption to stop or slow down. Firmness in
truth is a guarantee for success. A country of 125 crore, with 65 per cent
below the age of 35, having the means, the resources, and the capability, has
no reason to stay behind.
·
The new dawn of the
New Year, comes with the resolve of new success.
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Let us all come
together, to move ahead overcoming obstacles and constraints.
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Happy New Year
·
Jai
Hind
നോട്ടിനായി ബാങ്കിലും എ.ടി.എമ്മിലും വരിനിന്ന് തളര്ന്നവരുടെ ‘ത്യാഗവും സഹനവും’ എടുത്തുപറഞ്ഞെങ്കിലും ഈ ദുരിതത്തിന് എന്ന് അറുതിയാകുമെന്ന് പ്രധാനമന്ത്രിക്ക് പറയാനായില്ല. നോട്ട് നിരോധനം കാരണം മാന്ദ്യത്തിലേക്ക് നീങ്ങുന്ന സമ്പദ്വ്യവസ്ഥക്ക് ഊര്ജം നല്കാന് പോന്ന പ്രഖ്യാപനങ്ങളും ഉണ്ടായില്ല.
നോട്ട് ദുരിതത്തിന് പരിഹാരം
കാണാന് സ്വയം പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ച 50 ദിനത്തിനു
ശേഷമുള്ള പ്രധാനമന്ത്രി നരേന്ദ്ര മോദിയുടെ ടി.വി പ്രസംഗം
125 കോടി ജനത്തിന് നല്കുന്നത്
നിരാശ. അക്കൗണ്ടിലുള്ള സ്വന്തം പണം എപ്പോള്
ആവശ്യത്തിന് എടുക്കാന് കഴിയുമെന്നതിനെക്കുറിച്ച് പ്രധാനമന്ത്രി ഒന്നും
പറഞ്ഞില്ല. നോട്ടിനായി ബാങ്കിലും എ.ടി.എമ്മിലും വരിനിന്ന് തളര്ന്നവരുടെ ‘ത്യാഗവും സഹനവും’
എടുത്തുപറഞ്ഞെങ്കിലും ഈ ദുരിതത്തിന്
എന്ന് അറുതിയാകുമെന്ന് പ്രധാനമന്ത്രിക്ക് പറയാനായില്ല. നോട്ട് നിരോധനം കാരണം മാന്ദ്യത്തിലേക്ക്
നീങ്ങുന്ന സമ്പദ്വ്യവസ്ഥക്ക് ഊര്ജം
നല്കാന് പോന്ന
പ്രഖ്യാപനങ്ങളും ഉണ്ടായില്ല.
ബജറ്റ് പ്രസംഗത്തെ അനുസ്മരിപ്പിക്കുന്നതായിരുന്നു
മോദിയുടെ പുതിയ പ്രഖ്യാപനങ്ങള്. ചെറിയ
പലിശക്ക് ഭവനവായ്പ, കാര്ഷിക വായ്പക്ക്
പലിശയിളവ്, മുതിര്ന്ന പൗരന്മാര്ക്കുള്ള ക്ഷേമ പദ്ധതി
തുടങ്ങിയവ ഫെബ്രുവരി ഒന്നിന് അരുണ്
ജെയ്റ്റ്ലി അവതരിപ്പിക്കാനുള്ള കേന്ദ്ര ബജറ്റില് വരാനിരിക്കുന്ന പദ്ധതികളാണ്.
അവ മുന്കൂട്ടി
പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ചത് നോട്ട് നിരോധനത്തിന്െറ
ചൂടറിഞ്ഞ ജനത്തെ തണുപ്പിക്കാനാണ്. ഈ
പദ്ധതികളുടെ ഗുണം എല്ലാവര്ക്കുമില്ല.
ഭവനവായ്പ, കാര്ഷിക പലിശ
വായ്പ ഇളവ് വായ്പ എടുക്കുന്നവര്ക്കു മാത്രമുള്ളതാണ്. ഗര്ഭിണികള്ക്കുള്ള ധനസഹായം
നോട്ട് ക്ഷാമത്തില് അടുക്കള പുകയാതിരുന്ന സ്ത്രീകളെ
പാട്ടിലാക്കാന് ലക്ഷ്യമിട്ടാണ്.
മറുപടിയില്ലാത്ത വിഷയങ്ങളില് മൗനം, ഡിജിറ്റല് ഇന്ത്യയെക്കുറിച്ചുള്ള
വലിയ സ്വപ്നം, നോട്ടുദുരിതം
കാര്യമായി ബാധിച്ച കര്ഷകര്, ഗ്രാമീണര്, ചെറുകിട-ഇടത്തരം വ്യാപാരികള് എന്നിവരെ ലക്ഷ്യമിട്ടുള്ള
ചില്ലറ പദ്ധതികള് -ഒറ്റനോട്ടത്തില് മോദിയുടെ രണ്ടാം ടി.വി പ്രസംഗം
ഇത്രയുമാണ്. വലിയ വീടും കാറുമുള്ളവര്
പോലും വരുമാനം 10 ലക്ഷത്തില് കുറവാണെന്നു
പറഞ്ഞ് നികുതി വെട്ടിക്കുന്നുവെന്ന് മോദി
പ്രസംഗത്തില് പറഞ്ഞത് ബോധപൂര്വമാണ്.
നോട്ട് നിരോധനത്തിന്െറ
തുടര്ച്ചയായി വലിയ
പ്രഖ്യാപനങ്ങള് പ്രതീക്ഷിച്ചവരെയും മോദി നിരാശരാക്കി. കള്ളപ്പണം
വലിയ തോതില് നിക്ഷേപിക്കപ്പെട്ട ബിനാമി
സ്വത്ത് പിടിച്ചെടുക്കാനുള്ള
പ്രഖ്യാപനങ്ങള് ഇക്കുറിയുണ്ടാകുമെന്ന് പ്രതീക്ഷിച്ചിരുന്നു. അതേക്കുറിച്ചൊന്നും മോദി പറഞ്ഞില്ല. നോട്ട്
പ്രതിസന്ധിയില് കാര്ഷിക വില
ഇടിഞ്ഞതിന്െറ ദുരിതത്തിലാണ്
കര്ഷകര്. നോട്ട്
നിരോധത്തിനു ശേഷമുള്ള റാബി വിളവെടുപ്പ്
ആറു ശതമാനം കൂടിയെന്നും
കാര്ഷിക മേഖലക്ക്
ഒരു കുഴപ്പവുമില്ളെന്നുമാണ് പ്രധാനമന്ത്രി
പറഞ്ഞത്. പ്രതിപക്ഷവും സാമ്പത്തിക വിദഗ്ധരും ഉന്നയിച്ച
പരാതികളും ആവശ്യങ്ങളും പ്രധാനമന്ത്രി പാടേ അവഗണിച്ചു.
അസാധുനോട്ട് മുഴുവന് ബാങ്കുകളിലേക്ക് തിരിച്ചത്തെിയത്
കള്ളപ്പണവേട്ട പൊളിഞ്ഞതിന് തെളിവാണെന്നാണ് പ്രതിപക്ഷം ഉയര്ത്തിക്കാണിച്ചത്.
എന്നാല്, പണം മുഴുവന്
വന്നത് ബാങ്കുകളുടെ ഖജനാവ് നിറച്ചുവെന്നും അത്
നേട്ടമാണെന്നുമാണ് മോദി അവകാശപ്പെട്ടത്. അസാധുനോട്ടിന്
പകരം എത്ര നോട്ടുകള്
അച്ചടിച്ചു നല്കിയെന്ന
ചോദ്യത്തോടും പ്രധാനമന്ത്രി പ്രതികരിച്ചില്ല.
Prof. John Kurakar
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