Ritesh Sakhuja, a 38-year-old banker, who has had an unprecedented experience of his professional life since 8 November, was happy that the prime minister had a good word to say for the exemplary professionalism shown by the banking sector since demonetisation was announced, but was anxious about any fresh announcements coming up in the New Year.
Advertisement
In what seemed like a budget speech, Modi tried to touch upon every section of the society crucial to him and his party ahead of the assembly elections in five states.
“I hail Prime Minister Narendra Modis appeal to the banks to go above and beyond their traditional priorities and give importance to the needs of the poor, the lower and the middle classes”.
Surjewala said, “We are disappointed with PM’s speech as many questions were left unanswered”.
According to sources, the Prime Minister may speak on demonetisation in his address.
“The decisions are pro-people and pro-development”. This will be Modi’s second address to the nation since November 8.
Housing got special thrust with the government creating two new middle-income categories under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY) in urban areas.
“Where are the figures of #DeMonetisation?” How much of black money has been recovered?
At the end of the painful 50-day period, as people were glued to their television sets for the PM’s address, the build-up and air of expectation surrounding the event was similar to the one ahead of any India-Pakistan ODI match.
Meanwhile, the Congress expressed disappointment over Modi’s speech.
Modi began his speech by saluting the people for their patience and sacrifices in the fight against corruption, which he said was choking the nation and stifling growth. “Why didn’t you speak about it”, he asked.
“Prizes are given to those who make transactions of more than Rs 50 and less than Rs 3,000, so that the poor can win”.
Advertisement
The government has pitched the move as part of a broader strategy to clamp down on India’s bustling parallel economy where deals take place in cash. But he did not say when the restrictions on withdrawals will be lifted. “They may live with that”, he said, adding that India is accepting the change today and in share markets crores of people are using demat accounts. What is indisputable is that the PM has turned Indian tradition on its head.
