PM attacks Mamata on note ban, says chit-funds scam thrived under politicians

Agra: In an indirect reference to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who is opposing the demonetisation drive, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that politicians under whom chit-fund scams prospered are now raising a finger at him even as the decision was not taken to trouble anyone but to safeguard future of India's youth.

"Many people who had invested in chit-funds lost their lives, and politicians under whom the scams prospered are now raising a finger at me. The nation knows well that crores of poor people had invested in the chit-funds. I know those people who are raising their voices against me," said the Prime Minister, while launching the 'Pradhanmantri Grameen Awas Yojna', an ambitious housing scheme for rural poor here.

"This decision on currency notes was not taken to trouble anyone, it was taken to safeguard future of our youth, but politicians under whom chit fund scams prospered are now questioning me," said Prime Minister Modi, while launching the 'Pradhanmantri Grameen Awas Yojna', an ambitious housing scheme for rural poor in Agra.

"The initiative of demonetisation was highly appreciated by the poor. Despite difficulties, they have supported us. I had said that there would be inconveniences, but I want to commend the people who are supporting the government despite all difficulties. I can assure you all that your sacrifice won't go in vain," he said.

Fake currencies worth crores have been funnelled into the country and with this drugs and terrorism has flourished. More than Rs. 5 lakh crore has been deposited in banks so far. The poor and middle class citizens do not have access to black money. They are honest citizens and our efforts will help them," he said, adding that he will review notes' ban and make changes.

Stating that his government wants every Indian to have a house by 2022, when India celebrates 75 years since attaining freedom, he said, "When we are undertaking this initiative to build houses, it also means so many people get employment."

Prime Minister Modi formally launched 'Housing for All' in rural areas under which the government proposes to provide an environmentally safe and secure 'pucca' house to every rural household by 2022.

In its first phase of the PMAY (Gramin), the target is to complete one crore houses by March 2019. The unit cost for these houses has been significantly increased and now through convergence a minimum support of nearly Rs. 1.5-1.6 lakh to a household is available.

There is also a provision of bank loans up to Rs. 70,000, if the beneficiary so desires.

The selection of beneficiaries has been through a completely transparent process using the Socio Economic Census 2011 data and validating it through the gram sabha.

The Prime Minister also saw over 40 of the over 200 buildings' designs and interacted with newly-trained Rural Masons and beneficiaries, which were showcased near dais. He also distributed Sanction Certificates to a few beneficiaries from Agra District.

Taking about the Kanpur rail tragedy, the Prime Minister said, "This morning, there was a rail accident near Kanpur. The relief work is going on in full swing and the Centre will also investigate matter. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I wish those injured a speedy recovery."