New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra on Saturday announced benefits for farmers and the poor, including rebates on housing loans up to Rs12 lakh and an waiver on 60 days of interest on loans to farmers.

Details to follow.

On 8 November, Modi had announced that the withdrawal of all Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes, which accounted for 86% of currency in circulation. The existing high-value banknotes, were rendered invalid with effect from 9 November, and have been replaced by new Rs500 and Rs2,000 notes.

The government set withdrawal limits from ATMs and bank accounts and announced 30 December as the deadline for depositing the demonetised currency at banks. While the long-term economic fallout of demonetisation and the ensuing cash crunch remains uncertain, the move threw the country into turmoil and drew criticism from opposition parties.