NEW DELHI, Nov 26 (TNN) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the biggest public push for a 'cashless economy' on his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio address . He acknowledged that while a 'cashless' society is not immediately possible, and appealed to the people to work towards it by being part of a 'less-cash' society immediately.

"Learn how this digital economy works. Learn the different ways you can use your bank accounts and internet banking. Learn how to effectively use the apps of various banks on your phones. Learn how to run your business without cash," said PM Modi.

"Learn about card payments and other electronic modes of payment. Look at the malls and see how they functioning. A cashless economy is secure, it is clean. You have a leadership role to play in taking India towards an increasingly digital economy," he added.

Addressing the role the youth have in the transition to a 'cashless society', he said, "Your father or mother or elder brother at home may not know about these things. But you know how to book train tickets online, you know how to buy things online. You can tell not just your family members, but also small businesses the benefits of digital payments."

Thanking the people and the staff of banks and post offices for their patience in the face of inconvenience following the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 . He also cautioned those who generate and stash black money, referring to them as those 'refuse to change their ways'.

"The whole world is watching us, economists are continually attempting to measure the impact of the demonetisation and how it is being rolled out. We are such a massive nation, with 125 crore people. This is among the largest initiatives of demonetisation ever undertaken," said PM Modi.

He also appealed to the people to be patient in the face of inconvenience caused by the demonetisation. "If you remember, right at the time when I announced the demonetisation, I had said we would take about 50 days for normalcy return to all our lives and to economic activity," he said.

"There is enormous effort that's going into this. We have the support of the people . Lakhs of bank and post office employees are slogging to make this work. None of this would have been possible without all of your support. I thank you all," he added.

"I understand the inconvenience this has caused . But to treat a disease that has plagued our nation for 70 years , you can be assured the treatment cannot be simple."