Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched a programme to attract gold from households into the banking system, and pushed for mobilizing 20,000 tonnes of unused gold lying in family lockers and temples across the country.

“A large quantity of gold is just lying unused and that is the reason why India is poor”, Modi said addressing a gathering in the Capital after launching four mega gold schemes — Gold Monetisation Scheme, Sovereign Gold Bonds, Gold Coin and Bullion Scheme – ahead of the festive season.

“There was no reason why India should be poor, “added the Prime Minister.