Demonetisation: PM Narendra Modi urges nation to move towards cashless society

New Delhi: In a 37-minute long `Mann ki Baat` address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the nation to move towards a cashless society, and said he took the decision to scrap Rs 500 and 1,000 currency notes for the sake of the country`s poor, farmers, labourers and deprived.

In the 27th edition of his `Mann ki Baat` programme, Prime Minister Modi said, "I know cashless economy is different. Why not move towards a cashless society? Need your physical support in this. I took this decision for the country`s poor, farmer, labour, deprived and for those who are suffering. I reiterate that I need your support; I am positive that you will help me in this; take a pledge that you will be a part of this cashless economy.

"Asserting that the government, post offices and banks are working very hard and with dedication, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to those who are working to help people post the demonetisation move.

"I want to thank our farmers especially. Was looking at the sowing details, sowing has increased this year. A hotel in Maharashtra's Akola has put up hoardings allowing people to avail food even if they don`t have money post demonetisation," he added.

The Prime Minister stated that there has been 300 percent increase in the use of Rupay card since the poor people started using it.

"It is as simple as sending a WhatsApp. I want to urge men and women in small businesses that the time is right, you too enter the digital world. I am confident that India will succeed in the demonetisation move. I invite small traders to adopt cashless economy as it will bring about a huge transformation in the country," he added.