NEW DELHI: Amid the intensifying politics over demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked the people of the country to give their first-hand views about the Centre's move to spike the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.
Modi urged the people to participate in a survey on his official app where a number of questions have been posed regarding the scrapping of old high-value currency notes. The demonetisation, since the November 8 announcement, 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," said Modi posting a link of the app on Twitter.
Given in form of multiple choice questions, the survey has 10 posers:
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 Rs 500 and 1,000 notes?
6. Do you think demonetisation will help in curbing black money, corruption and terrorism?
7. Demonetisation will 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 PMO 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.
The move to seek public opinion comes in the wake of the opposition closing ranks and mounting fight both inside and outside Parliament.
Modi on Tuesday, in an emotional speech before BJP MPs, vehemently defended the demonetisation, saying that it was done for the benefit of the people.
