Rajya Sabha discusses demonetization

New Delhi, Nov 16 (KNN) As the Parliament convened for the Winter Session today morning, the Rajya Sabha took up debate the currency ban due to multiple notices given by a united opposition. The Lok Sabha, however, was adjourned for the day in tribute to former and a sitting member who died recently.

Opposition parties like the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party, Janata Dal-United, the Left and have opposed the demonetization move of the government stating it has impacted the common man.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the government was ready to discuss all issues raised by the opposition.

"Am sure we will have good debates on various issues, parties will present their views on issues. We will talk about people's aspirations," he said today morning.

Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Anand Sharma said, “I condemn PM's statement in Goa for mocking the people who are standing in queues; he must apologise.”

He said Government has list of those holding black money in Swiss Bank.

“We demand that PM must tell who all are there in the list. Reveal names of people whose loans you have waived off,” Sharma said adding that an atmosphere has been created where questioning the government has become the parameter to decide one's nationalism.

He said people were not given time to make arrangements before demonetisation announcement.

Before entering the Parliament, BSP Chief Mayawati had said, “Our party is not against the demonetisation decision but is against the way it has been implemented.”

Responding to Sharma’s comments, Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal said, "I think Anand Sharma is weak in economics."

He said the country is welcoming PM Modi's decision and said, "some people are worried, I understand. But the government can’t help if the corrupt are unhappy."

Goyal said, "The RBI realised that more than half of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 notes did not come into currency chests for quite some time."

He said the announcement was made so that the hidden notes are replaced by new cash.

Goyal further added that, “"Why should the people have been pre-informed? So that the corrupt took early steps?"

On the hardships faced by the people, he said the queues outside ATMs and the banks are becoming smaller, except in 2-3 cities. (KNN Bureau)