Launched the demonetization policy to curb black money
| Political | Economic Downturn |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published:
5 min read
In 11/8/2016, the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, announced the demonetization policy to tackle the issue of black money in the country. The policy involved the sudden withdrawal of the two highest currency denominations, aiming to curb corruption, terrorist financing, and counterfeiting.
The decision to demonetize the ₹500 and ₹1000 notes caught many by surprise, leading to long queues at banks and ATMs as people rushed to exchange their old notes for new ones. Despite the initial chaos and inconvenience faced by the public, the government defended the move as a necessary step in the fight against illicit cash holdings.
The demonetization policy had a significant impact on various sectors of the economy. It led to a temporary slowdown in economic growth as businesses, especially those dependent on cash transactions, struggled to adapt to the sudden cash crunch. On the other hand, digital payment platforms witnessed a surge in usage as people shifted towards non-cash modes of transactions.
The decision also had political repercussions, with opposition parties criticizing the implementation of the policy. However, the government remained firm in its stance, stating that the long-term benefits of curbing black money and promoting a digital economy would outweigh the short-term challenges.
In the months following the demonetization announcement, the government introduced several measures to promote transparency and accountability in financial transactions. These included initiatives such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the introduction of new currency notes with enhanced security features.
Overall, the demonetization policy of 11/8/2016 was a bold move by the Indian government to tackle the issue of black money and promote a more transparent economy. While its implementation faced criticism and challenges, it marked a significant step towards combating corruption and encouraging digital financial transactions in the country.
#Demonetization #BlackMoney #NarendraModi #EconomicReform #DigitalIndia
Primary Reference: 2016 Indian banknote demonetisation - Wikipedia

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