I might have to pay a heavy political price for steps I am taking, but I am ready: PM Modi

Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he might have to pay a heavy political price for the steps that he is taking and he is ready for it.

The prime minister enunciated the idea of "irreversible change" being brought about by the various schemes that have ushered the country on the path of development.

He said, "Irreversible rise of India is not just a change in thinking, it is a change in confidence."

Hailing demonetisation as a success, Prime Minister Modi said that it has made the parallel economy a part of the formal economy. Demonetisation has helped government to crack down on shell companies through data mining and nail corrupt individuals, the prime minister added.

The prime minister listed a number of reforms initiated by the BJP-led NDA government like the Ujjawala scheme to provide gas connections "which has transformed the lives of crores of women", scheme to provide LED lamps which has helped in saving around Rs 14,000 crore among others.

On the Goods and Services Tax, the prime minister said that it has brought transparency to the system.

The digital push by the government was another area that the prime minister touched upon in his speech. Farmers can now sell their produce on the digital platform from anywhere in the country, Modi said.