Take the fight against black money & graft to next level, says PM

MANN KI BAAT Urges citizens to use less cash, stresses on following traffic rules, reducing fuel consumption for a ‘New India’

Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday began the process of outlining his vision for a “New India,” by calling on the people to demonstrate greater civic responsibility. He also called on the citizens to take the fight against corruption and black money to the next level.

In his monthly radio address, Modi identified traffic rules and fuel consumption as areas where people might be able to contribute to the “New India.”

“If every citizen resolves to obey traffic rules, if every citizen resolves that he will discharge his duties honestly, if every citizen resolves that he will not use petrol or diesel one day in a week – these are not very big things. But these will contribute to the realisation of the dream of this country,” he said, dubbing the move as a clarion call to create a magnificent India and shift from Swaraj (self-rule) to Suraj (good rule).

Terming discharge of civic duties as a “good beginning” to the New India, Modi maintained that “all these things are not necessarily achieved through the Budget, government projects, or government money.”

The “New India” campaign is expected to be the cornerstone of the Modi government’s agenda in the remaining two years of its term, leading up to the 2019 general election.

A senior Opposition leader, Tathagat Satpathy of BJD, however, felt that the Centre needs to be proactive if it wants to see a “New India”. “When citizens become conscious and aware of their responsibilities and rights, things will always improve. But for this, radio talk alone is not sufficient. Proactive action on the part of the Narendra Damodardas Modi government has been invisible,” he said.

After the BJP swept UP polls recently and pitched it as a referendum on demonetisation, the Prime Minister also returned to the more familiar theme of a cashless economy, asking people if they can collectively make 2500 crore digital transactions during this year.

“We must take our fight against black money and corruption to the next level. Can 125 crore countrymen resolve to

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