Fact-Check: PM Modi’s New Year Largesse is Old Wine in Old Bottle

A fact-check on most of his offerings on 31 December were simply a modification of old schemes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech on New Year’s Eve was much awaited to say the least. Understandably so, given his last address to the nation led to the scrapping of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

Many expected that Modi in his address – coming a day after the deadline to deposit the old notes – will provide a closure report on demonetisation. But he didn’t.

The Prime Minister instead listed welfare schemes for the poor, middle class and women. But is that a reason to cheer? Not really. Business Standard ran a fact-check on Modi’s big promises – and found that most of his offerings were simply a modification of old schemes.

Also Read: Kya Hua Tera Vaada? Modi’s Broken Promises on Demonetisation