INDIA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation on various issues concerning Coronavirus and economic crunch.
Prime Minister said that the people of the country showed carelessness and negligence when the country announced relaxations in the first phase of lockdown exit plan. He also urged people to continue the use of face masks and maintain social distancing to fight the spread of coronavirus pandemic.
“Ever since Unlock 1.0 started in the country, negligence in personal and social behaviour has been increasing. Earlier, we were more cautious about the use of masks, ‘do gaj doori’ and washing hands several times a day for 20 seconds,” he said.
“The state governments, local administration and citizens again have to show similar caution. We need to have a special focus on containment zones. If you see someone flouting norms, tell them to not do so,” PM Modi said.
Further, He talked about Prathan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana(PMGKY) and provided details of the help this scheme brought for the poor families.
Under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, we announced a package of Rs. 1.75 lakh crore. In the last 3 months, Rs. 31,000 crore deposited in bank accounts of 20 crore poor families. Also, Rs. 18000 crore deposited in bank accounts of more than 9 crore farmers.
Prime Minister also announced extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), a free ration scheme, for 80 crore people across the country till end of November.
“Keeping in mind all the festivals that are coming up in the next few months, this scheme to provide 80 crore people with 5 kg free ration and 1 kg dal per month will now be extended till Diwali and Chhath Puja, or till the end of November,” PM Modi said in an address to the nation.
Prime minister further expressed his gratitude towards honest taxpayers as well as farmers who helped directly and indirectly in providing free food to the poor & destitute people.
“If the government is able to provide free food grains to the poor & the needy, the credit goes to two sections. First, the hardworking farmers of our country and second, the honest taxpayers. I thank you from my heart,” PM Modi said.
In a televised address to the nation, Modi also said that the government was working on a “one nation, one ration card” initiative and will soon be implemented all across the nation.
This marks as prime minister’s sixth address to the nation since the pandemic began in March this year.
Ahead of this address to the nation, PM Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparations being undertaken for vaccination against Covid-19 as and when a vaccine is available. The prime minister directed officials to evaluate various technology tools to ensure efficient and timely vaccination in due course of time.