Published On : Wed, Nov 23rd, 2016

Ten – wrong -Questions PM is asking post demonetisation. What should he have asked instead?

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modi_ptiAs demonetisation gets criticized by many more experts, Prime Minister Modi issued a questionnaire to seek people’s feedback on the banning of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes through his app.

“I want your first-hand view on the decision taken regarding currency notes. Take part in the survey on the NM App: nm4.in/dnldapp,” Modi tweeted with a link to his mobile application.

HERE ARE THE QUESTIONS

Do you think that black money exists in India?
Do you think the evil of corruption and black money needs to be fought and eliminated?
Overall, what do you think about the government’s moves to tackle black money?
What do you think of the Modi government’s efforts against corruption so far?
What do you think of the Modi government’s move of banning old Rs. 500 & Rs. 1000 notes?
Do you think demonetization will help in curbing black money, corruption & terrorism?
Demonetization will bring real estate, higher education, healthcare in common man’s reach.
Did you mind the inconvenience faced in our fight to curb corruption, black money, terrorism and counterfeiting of currency?
Do you believe some anti-corruption activists are now actually fighting in support of black money, corruption & terrorism?
Do you have any suggestions, ideas or insights you would like to share with PM Narendra Modi?

Flaws in the questionnaire

As any Social- Research- and- Survey expert will tell you, to be credible, authentic and valuable as scientific research, questions in a Survey Questionnaire have to be neutral, open ended and not leading. Never leading.

The PM’s ten questions fail on all counts.

Some of the questions have very obvious answers – and only one possible answer, What was the point of asking them? For instance, the first question itself – do you think black money exists in India? Others are leading and very suggestive. Modi advisors seem to have employed some devious reverse psychology maneuvers in framing the questions which are guaranteed to lead to one conclusion only.

But the most damning question is Number – 9. It is unfair as well as dangerous and gives away the real purpose of the exercise.
It is this – Do you believe some anti-corruption activists are now actually fighting in support of black money, corruption & terrorism?

Translated into plain English it implies that any one who opposes the draconian monetization move with all the misery it is causing actually support black money. Not only that ‘they are fighting’ in support of corruption and terrorism.

That is quite a leap! It means if you want to fight corruption, you better agree in toto with Modi; if you have any issues with the banning of the high denomination notes YOU ARE 100% A SUPPORTER OF CORRUPTION AND ALSO TERRORISM.

We can risk taking another leap ourselves. This survey is sure to be taken by many of the saffron brigade who will answer affirmatively. Lo and behold – the Modi government will have “people’s support” in targeting nay Sayers of demonetization holding them guilty of treason even!

The questions that Modi, if he really wanted to conduct a fair survey, should have asked were –

Was the government adequately prepared to announce demonetization and resultant withdrawal of 1000 and 500 notes?
Should both currencies have been withdrawn together like we did?

Was it the right time to take such a step?

Is it affecting the right people – rich people with black money or poor people with legitimate currency?

How long have you had to stand in queues to change money or deposit money or withdraw money?

Has it affected your daily life, your work routine and welfare of your family?

Are ATMs and banks equipped to support the move?

Are the Rs.2000 notes easy to use and will their presence curb corruption?

Do you support the government on this move or think it is wrong?

Is demonetization affecting the economy negatively in any way?

There is a spiffy wheel you can spin and make known your opinion.

But what most people would like to know is can this wheel be turned the other way and negate the nightmare of the past 15 days???

Sunita Mudaliar Associate Editor