Benami Property Act Is Next Step in War Against Black Money: Modi

PM Modi made the comments during his last ‘Mann Ki Baat’ for 2016.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Photo: IANS)

Vowing to carry forward the war against corruption and black money post-demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the government will soon operationalise a strong law to effectively deal with benami properties.

During his last Mann Ki Baat address for the year, PM Modi also defended the frequent changes in the rules of demonetisation, saying these have been done to reduce the people's problems and defeat the forces who are out to thwart his government's fight against black money and corruption.

He spoke about the Benami Property Law that came into being in 1988.

We have retrieved it and turned it into an incisive law against ‘Benami Property’. In the coming days, this law will also become operational. For the benefit of the nation, for the benefit of the people, whatever needs to be done will be accorded our top priority.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The PM urged people to cooperate with the “war on corruption”. He said black money hoarders were being nabbed with the support of the common people who have been coming forward with concrete information about hoarders.

I assure you that this is not the end. This is just the beginning in our fight against corruption. We have to win this war against corruption and black money. There is no question of stopping or going back in this fight.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The Prime Minister also lamented the logjam in Parliament that evoked displeasure from the President and the Vice President besides all-round public indignation and ire. He said he wanted a good discussion on this campaign as well as on political funding, had both Houses run properly.

He said some people who are spreading rumours that political parties enjoy all concessions and exemptions "are wrong and all are equal before law" and they have to abide by it.

It was my earnest wish that the ongoing campaign against corruption and black money, including the realm of political parties and political funding, be discussed extensively in the Parliament. Had the House functioned properly, there would have been comprehensive deliberation.

He added that people who cannot endorse corruption and black money openly resort to searching for faults of the government relentlessly.

Modi also launched two new schemes for traders and customers that will dole out 15,000 prizes every day to those making digital transactions.