demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes

deposits of up to two-and-a-half lakh rupees

Currency ban 'biggest swachh abhiyan', hoarders won't be spared: PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has characterized theas a ‘massive cleaning drive’. He expressed pride at the support the demonetization has received despite the inconvenience it has caused.PM Modi’s remarks were part of a speech he delivered to the Indian community in Kobe, Japan . “This is a massive swachhata abhiyaan (cleaning drive),” he declared. “The money that has been looted has to be recovered. And, the rules have to be the same for everyone,” he added.Peppering his seech with light-hearted quips on the demonetization of the Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, Modi sought to ease fears that people might lose their savings, “We spent long hours trying to figure out how to minimize the inconvenience. We said no questions would be asked of. Now, even those sons who left their mothers at old-age homes are depositing two-and-a-half lakh rupees in their mother’s accounts,” he said, to laughter from the crowd.“This government will do everything in it power to protect the interests of its citizen,” he assured.He also expressed pride and gratitude towards the people of the country, who he said had extended their support to the government’s initiative. “I salute each and every India. Many weddings have taken place, many have had to face medical emergencies. The people dealt with all this, and have accepted the decision,” he said to a cheering audience.He urged all Indians to take an example from Japan, in making adjustments and adapting to changes in line with national interest. To this end, he raised the example of Japan’s behaviour in the aftermath devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami.