Don't sell old notes to touts, cautions Modi

Belgaum (Karnataka), Nov 13 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday cautioned people against selling their 500- and 1000-rupee notes to the touts in lieu of smaller amounts.

"Don't give your notes to anyone in a hurry. You have time till December 30. The government will pay you back in full. The government is committed to give your full money," Modi said during a rally in Belgaum.

He admitted that there were inconveniences caused to the people but it was in the national interest.

"There is pain among people due to my decision (to demonitise high currency notes), but the nation will gain from this," he said.

"I'll stand by you till the very end," the Prime Minister added.

"For 70 years the country has been looted, give me 70 months and I'll clean up the entire nation (from black money)."

He also credited bank officials for working overtime for effective implementation of the move.

"Even retired officials offered voluntary services and this is commendable," said Modi.

Modi arrived here after a three-hour visit to Goa where he digitally laid the foundation stone for a new greenfield airport at Mopa plateau and an electronic city in Tuem, both Pernem sub district.