MEDIAS REACTION TO DEMONETISATION

The government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the crusade against Black money as soon as it came to power.  First of all, it asked the entire public to open Jan Dan accounts in banks therby ensuring bank account for all. In order to move towards cashless economy, it is of utmost importance that everyone has bank account. Soon after this the government gave option of people to declare their undisclosed asset abroad and bring it under Tax net. In 2016, an opportunity was given to file for Income Declaration scheme under which the tax evader would have to pay 45% tax including penalty and no questions would be asked on it. 

Then came the move of demonetisation where more than 85% of currency in circulation is sucked out of the cash system. This was a bold move.  When this was introduced, it was going to cause some inconvenience to public, but the strange fact is the way media portrayed it as discomfort for people. The media should have actually popularised this scheme in a good way and educate people on the good of it. In reality, most of the people were happy with the scheme though there were some hiccups. The point of getting too many people onboard for debate, showing few people unhappy, what they could have done is being in ground zero, they could have passed on message to Banks and government that cash is required out here at the earliest. 

When we see foreign media channels, they on one hand say India rising, praise on the demonetization scheme. The Indian media should have backed it up completely and not going behind few politicians and asking their opinion who are against such move.  The media tough having feedom in country, should look to promote India and not degrade it all the time. 

They should say on how demonetisation will help the Indian economy in long term, digitalisation of economy and so on.  The media should realise that it is our India and only we can make it better.