Modi seeks people’s opinion on notes ban

Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday asked the people of the country to give their first-hand views about the government’s move to withdraw Rs500 and Rs1,000 currency notes from circulation.Modi urged the people to participate in a survey on his official app where a number of questions have been posed on the scrapping of high-value currency notes. The demonetisation announced on November 8, has triggered chaos across the country with people continuing to line up outside banks and ATMs in interminably long queues.“I want your first-hand view on the decision taken regarding currency notes. Take part in the survey on the NM App,” Modi tweeted.The survey has 10 questions:1. Do you think that black money exists in India?2. Do you think the evil of corruption and black money needs to be fought and eliminated?3. Overall, what do you think about the government’s moves to tackle black money?4. What do you think of the Modi government’s efforts against corruption so far?5. What do you think of the Modi government’s move of banning old Rs500 and 1,000 notes?6. Do you think demonetisation will help in curbing black money, corruption and terrorism?7. Will demonetisation bring real estate, higher education, healthcare in the common man’s reach?8. Did you mind the inconvenience faced in our fight to curb corruption, black money, terrorism and counterfeiting of currency?9. Do you believe some anti-corruption activists are now actually fighting in support of black money, corruption and terrorism?10. Do you have any suggestions, ideas or insights you would like to share with the PM?“This survey is in sync with the prime minister’s vision of participative governance and directly seeking the views of the people of India on key policy and execution matters,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.Much like the demonetisation move, Modi’s tweet seeking public opinion also attracted varied reactions.While a host of the users supported the idea of seeking public opinion and hailed it, there were others who questioned the move.“Sir, those who don’t have money to eat, how will they download the app,” asked a user.Another user asked: “The 70 people who lost their lives because of the demonetisation move, how will they give their opinion?”All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi ridiculed the move.“Modi has sought public opinion on his mobile application in a country where 40 crore people are illiterate,” said Owaisi.Earlier in the day, in an emotional speech before BJP MPs, Modi defended the demonetisation, saying that it was done for the benefit of the people.Addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Parliamentary Party meeting, Modi urged the members to counter what he called was “misinformation” being spread by opposition parties.“We came to power for the poor, not for our own sake,” the prime minister said in his speech, according to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar.“The poor, the lower middle class and the middle class have been suffering since the last 70 years due to corruption and black money.“This decision is in favour of the people and against black money, corruption and counterfeit currency. Our target is to fight a long battle against all these,” said Modi, according to Kumar.The prime minister said that the demonetisation decision was just a “beginning of the government’s crusade against black money and corruption,” and such type of actions will be continued.Sources also said that Modi asked party leaders not to use the word “surgical strike” for demonetisation.“Don’t call it a surgical strike. Only a soldier can do that,” a source quoted Modi as saying at the meeting.