'Demonetisation one of the difficult decisions taken by PM' : Jaitley
Chennai, Jan 15 : 'Steps to eradicate black money and the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes was one of the difficult decisions taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi', Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said.
Speaking at the 48th Anuual Readers meet of Tamil Magazine 'Thuglaq' here on Sunday evening, he said only the Prime Minister has the courage to take such decisions.
''By taking such decisions, the BJP has saved the country'', he added.
Stating that tax payer base, tax collections and digitization of the economy were expanding, thanks to a slew of measures taken by the central government headed by Mr Modi, Mr Jaitley said due to efforts like demonetisation and introduction of GST regime and other measures, has helped in reducing tax evasion.
Observing that the honest tax payer was forced to pay higher taxes due to tax evaders, Mr Jaitley said once the tax payer base expand, the tax rate would come down.
He also said a decision would be taken soon on holding simultaneous polls to Parliament and Assembly in all the states.