Thanking all the Indians for braving the numerous challenges ever since his demonetization announcement on November 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced a string if new schemes for various sections of society.
In his anxiously awaited televised speech on the eve of New Year, Modi urged his countrymen to continue their support to his government in the fight against and black money corruption.
Modi then offered a slew of schemes to the poor, lower middle and middle classes in cities under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana like 4 percent discount on housing loans up to Rs.9 lakhs, loans of up to Rs.12 lakh.
Modi also declared that the government will bear 60 days' interest incurred on farmer loans and that the amount will be directly transferred to the farmers' bank accounts. Furthermore, 3 crore farmers' credit cards will be converted to RuPay cards in the next 3 months for ease of buying and selling at any time, Modi announced.
Raining sops on the small, medium and micro enterprises (SME) sector, Modi announced loans up to Rs.2 crore. For senior citizens, Modi has come up with a new scheme that assures an interest of 8% for 10 years on deposits up to Rs 7.5 lakh.
In a welcoming move to lower the pregnancy mortality rate, Modi announced that Rs.6,000 will be transferred into the accounts of pregnant women in 650 districts for vaccination and pre-natal care and diet and nutrition.
Modi also issued stern warnings to the various bank officers who were caught helping the corrupt and filthy rich and warned of strict action against dishonest people and said that his government is committed to bring the dishonest people onto the 'right track'.