PM had asked people to convey their views on notes ban directly to him using Narendra Modi app.
Highlights
- PM had sought public opinion on notes ban through NaMo app
- Over 5 lakh people have taken the survey on their views, experience
- Opposition parties have strongly criticised implementation on the ban
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a cabinet meeting today that his call for feedback on the currency ban had drawn "historic numbers" and most respondents who have logged on to his app since yesterday have backed it.
In just about a day, over five lakh citizens have used the PM's app to respond to the survey, which is "staggering" by any stretch, he said, presenting the results in the meeting.
The prime minister invited feedback in the middle of a fierce opposition offensive against his move to suddenly withdraw Rs 500 and 1,000 notes, which formed over 85 per cent of the cash in circulation. The opposition has accused the government of plunging most citizens into a cash crisis and forcing them to spend hours at banks and ATMs to withdraw or exchange banned notes.
On Tuesday, PM Modi asked the people to directly convey their views to him using the Narendra Modi app and tweeted: "I want your first-hand view on the decision taken regarding currency notes. Take part in the survey on the NM App."
It zoomed to the top of Apple's App Store in searches and downloads and was also among the most-downloaded apps.
The survey asks questions such as - "Do you have any suggestions/ideas or insights you would like to share with PM Narendra Modi?", "Do you think black money exists in India?", "Do you think the evil of corruption and black money need to be fought and eliminated?", "What do you think of government's move of banning old Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes?"
More than 90 per cent of the respondents, the Prime Minister said, felt that the government's move to tackle black money is "above four-star rating". 73 per cent gave it a "five-star rating of brilliant."
Only 2 per cent have rated the move as very poor or one star, he said.
There have also been some critics of the survey on social media.