PM Modi announces lockdown 4.0 with the slogan of “Aatm-Nirbhar Bharat”, declares an economic package of 20 lakh crores

DELHI: On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation at 8 pm. PM Modi appreciated the efforts of the people against fighting the virus. The main focus of his speech was “Self-reliance” as he initiated “Aatm-nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan” in India, economic package of 20 lakh crore was also announced in the speech. PM also said that our lives won’t revolve around Corona forever and it’s important to move forward along with the preventive measures.

The PM said that the 21st century belongs to India. 

The country has been recognised all over the world for its efficient management during this crisis. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, India has turned disaster into opportunity. The meaning of self-dependence has changed. The situation has presented the world with the need of human-centred globalisation instead of a self-centred one.

PM further listed five pillars for a self-reliant India  mentioning economy, infrastructure, tech-driven system, vibrant demography and demand. He further said that India has the best possible resources to strengthen the country. 

India can improve quality and modernise supply chain. Stating an example PM said, with no PPE manufactured in India before the epidemic took out, at present India itself is fulfilling its demand by manufacturing it on its own.

PM Modi said, “Making this century of India, is both our dream and responsibility. And the road to that is self-dependence. I remember the devastation in Kutch after the earthquake. But Kutch got back on its feet. This shows our resolve. And today, we have both resolve and resources.” 

An important announcement of an economic package worth Rs 20,00,000 crore to make India self-sufficient focusing on land, labour, liquidity and laws was the most important part of the speech.

The relief package amounts for 10% of the country’s GDP and is aimed at the middle class, the business community, and the honest tax payers.

PM Modi appreciated the old reforms of the government including digitalisation and policies like Jan Dhan Yojana, that have supported to provide necessary help to the masses during the lockdown.

This was the Prime Minister’s fifth addressal to the nation that came after a day after the state chief ministers attended a meeting with the PM. Many states including, Punjab, Telangana, Maharashtra & West Bengal had requested the PM for an extension of lockdown.

However, the PM said that the decision on the Lockdown 4.0 would be announced before 18th May.