Launching an aggresive attack on the opposition for criticising demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, appealed to the common man to endure hardship for the next fifty days and extend their support in the fight against corruption and black money. "I agree that there is pain because of my decision, but the country will gain more. I would like to tell all honest people, do not give any dishonest people your money in haste. You have time till December 30 to exchange money," said Modi, who was in Belagavi to take part in the centenary celebrations of Karnataka Lingayat Education Society.
Dismissing the criticism that the poor people were the most inconvenienced, Modi said, "I had taken the country into confidence before such a big move. While secrecy was inevitable, I had given indications for the last two years -- be it the impetus to open Jan Dhan accounts or giving out 20 crore debit cards to the poor. A cashless society can tackle corruption. Those who followed my Mann ki Baat will agree with this."
Mocking the Congress, he said, "People who swindled lakhs in coal and 2G scam had to stand in a queue for Rs 4000. My government will not trouble the honest. But then, it will not spare the dishonest either. Those who feel they can deposit their black money now, let me remind them that it will be taxed at 200%," warned the PM.
"The Congress asks me why I banned Rs 500 and Rs 1000 overnight. Did I question the Congress when they banned 25 paise? No...because they were capable of only that," he added. Hinting at follow-up action post December 30, Modi said, "I am not one to stop at this. On November 8, people who kept asking me about black money got an answer. Corruption is 70-year-old disease. Give me 70 months for cleanup. People will be inconvenienced. But I can see that the honest people of this country are with me. In the last week, I saw retired bankers volunteering to help, women and youth providing chairs and drinking water to the people standing in queue before the banks and ATMs. I thank them all. The people of this country are tired of corruption. If you trust my integrity, give me your blessings."
IT youth changed India's image worldover
India was perceived as a country of snake charmers and black magicians. But the moment our youth, barely 18 or 20, laid their fingers on the keyboard(computers), the world was forced to change its perception about India, said Modi.
Modi exhorted the varsities to pursue excellence that is recognised globally. Educational institutions have a great responsibility to mould the youth for the challenges of the 21st century, said Modi recalling the greatness of saptarishis as teachers. "Tilak and Gandhi started schools to mentor the youth during the freedom movement," he added.
Addressing a large gathering of teachers and students, Modi sought three "favours" from the varsity. "Resolve to win a gold medal in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Next, innovation is key for development and countries which fail to innovate end up as consumers. I want to see world class research happening here. Thirdly, I urge all private and government universities to accept the challenge and strive to make it to Top 100 universities in the world. The Centre has announced funding of 10 government and 10 private varsities to help realise this dream," said Modi.
