PM Modi addresses the nation during India's 69th Independence day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that 17 crore bank accounts have been opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and Rs. 20,000 crore deposited under it.
In his second Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi also said the poison of casteism and communalism should be countered with nectar of development.
He said that the government had achieved the target set for financial inclusion of the poor by this year's Republic Day.
Recalling that he had announced the Jan Dhan Yojana in his Independence Day speech last year, PM Modi said the doors for financial inclusion had virtually been closed for the poor.
He said the scheme was time-bound with no scope of dilly-dallying.
PM Modi said he had seen the "richness of the poor" as they had deposited Rs.20,000 crore under it despite option of having zero bank balance. "I bow to them," PM Modi said.
"Opening 17 crore bank accounts is a difficult task. I congratulate the bank staff," PM Modi said.
He said unity, simplicity and harmony were treasures for the country and these should never be allowed to get tainted.
"Be it casteism or communalism there is no place for them. In no way can they be tolerated," PM Modi said.
"If the unity is destroyed, the dreams will also shatter. The poison of casteism, and communalism should not be allowed to bloom," he said.