Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Saturday evening, his second public address since his announcement on November 8 to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. When first announcing the move, Modi asked the country for 50 days (which end tonight) for the inconveniences caused by demonetisation to cease.The demonetisation move has been criticised both within parliament and outside, especially for the perceived lack of preparedness of the government and the RBI. Reports before his speech predicted that Modi would spell out a roadmap of what happens after demonetisation.The full text of the speech can be read here in English and in Hindi.Here are the highlights of what the prime minister had to say, as tweeted by The Wire’s reporters during the live telecast of his speech:After Diwali, India took an important decision to curb black money. It will have long term benefits: PM @narendramodi on #demonetisation— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 India has been witnessing ‘shuddhikaran’ or purification drive: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/RuUkPOjS9r— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 Corruption, black money, counterfeit currency had crippled common man: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/LTkChhTjUj— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 Your love is like blessing to me, says PM @NarendraModi thanking the Indian citizens for their cooperation #demonetisation— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 Only 24 lakh people in the country have declared that their annual income is above Rs 10 lakh. No one will believe this figure: PM Modi— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 People had to queue to withdraw own money but they don’t want to be even a step behind in fight against corruption, #blackmoney: PM Modi https://t.co/c0rerYGfCv— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 All concerned directed to restore normalcy in banking system, particularly in rural & far flung areas,to end difficulties of people: PM Modi— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 Indian economy had cash circulation disproportionately higher than similar sized economies, which led to price rise, says PM @narendramodi— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 A balance has to be brought between cash in the system and being cashless: PM @narendramodi#demonetisation https://t.co/VwDZ08RtRx— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 .@NarendraModi announces two new schemes under PM Awaas Yojana which will help the poor take loans to build homes https://t.co/1g6ZBiVc9P— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 Under PM Awaas Yojana, interest relief of 4% for home loan up to 9 lakhs, 3% for up to 12 lakhs will be given, announces PM @NarendraModi— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 PM @NarendraModi says government will bear 60 days interest on select farm loans https://t.co/1g6ZBiVc9P pic.twitter.com/20lzm1bgdZ— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 In next 3 months, 3 crore Kisan credit cards will be converted to RuPay cards, says PM @narendramodi https://t.co/1g6ZBiVc9P pic.twitter.com/LuBaUhMMt4— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 With RuPay cards, farmers will be able to buy & sell anywhere: PM @narendramodi https://t.co/1g6ZBiVc9P https://t.co/msgUovhu0K— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 Rs 6000 assistance will be provided to pregnant women. The money will be transferred directly to their account: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/httKtQFggK— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 Rabi crop sowing up by 6%; fertilizer sales up 9% despite doomsday predictions by critics: PM @narendramodi https://t.co/1g6ZBiVc9P pic.twitter.com/TPy6EpS821— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 Govt to stand guarantee for loans up to Rs 2 crore from current Rs 1 crore, to small businesses: PM @narendramodi— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 Time has come for politicians to abandon ‘holier than thou’ approach and work towards reforming the political system: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/sCiSMEbicW— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 Banks have been asked to raise cash credit limit to small business to 25% from 20%: PM Modi— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 8% interest rate will be guaranteed on deposits of up to Rs 7.5 lakh for 10 years for senior citizens;interest will be paid monthly: PM Modi— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 PM @narendramodi asks political parties to take steps to end #blackmoney in funding and corruption. https://t.co/Z7TajjfZ9v— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016 PM @narendramodi seeks debate on holding parliamentary and assembly elections simultaneously and on the issue of rising costs in polls.— The Wire (@thewire_in) December 31, 2016
