Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the nation on Tuesday, said timely decisions and measures have played a great role in tackling coronavirus. “In comparison to other countries, India is still in a very stable situation, in the battle against COVID-19,” said PM Modi. However, the PM said, a lot of people have stopped following rules amid the pandemic since Unlock 1. His address comes as the government prepares for Unlock 2 beginning from July 1, with relaxations in night curfew, provision for more domestic flights and trains, and clearance for more than five people in a shop.
Highlights from PM’s speech :
He said, “We are entering Unlock-2 while battling the Coronavirus. We are also now entering a season, where there will be a lots of rain and hence we will be more prone to diseases. So, it is my appeal to you all to take necessary precautions. In comparison to other countries, India is still in a very stable situation, in the battle against COVID-19. Our death rate is under control. Timely decisions and measures have played a great role. People who are not following rules need to be stopped and made aware of the problems. Nobody is above rules in India, even if it’s the leader of the Nation. We notice that there has been a negligence by people in their social and personal behavior. Like the way we used to meticulously wash hands, used sanitizers, wore masks, maintained social distancing and avoided shaking hands. We see that it is not happening strictly anymore. That is a sign of worry. This is a serious matter, and we must ensure that we maintain the discipline.”
In the past few months, farmers have got a total of Rs 18,000 crores directly in their bank accounts, for migrants too, the PM Gareeb Kalyan Rozgar Yojana has been launched. About 80 crore people have also got 5 kg ration for free and 1 kg of dal per month free of cost. The government is working very hard to fight the pandemic and get the support they need. As all the festivals are coming up in the next few months, this scheme to provide 80 crore people with free ration and 1 kg dal per month will now be extended till Diwali and Chatt Puja till the end of November. We are now bringing One Nation One Ration Card. This will greatly benefit migrant workers and their families. Speaking on promoting local businesses, PM Modi said, “Will take economic activities forward. Will toil for AtmaNirbhar Bharat. Will be vocal for local.” Under PM Gareeb 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.
In his Mann ki Baat programme on June 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to the 20 Indian soldiers who had died in the violent clashes with the Chinese troops on June 15 in Galwan Valley and asserted that India had given a befitting reply to those who cast an evil eye on its territory. While addressing the nation during his monthly radio show Mann ki Baat Modi said, “Those who cast an evil eye on the Indian soil in Ladakh have got a befitting response. India honors the spirit of friendship. She is also capable of giving an appropriate response to any adversary, without shying away. Our brave soldiers have proven that they will not let anyone cast an evil eye on the glory and honor of Mother India”. He also said, “The entire country comes together to pay tributes to the bravery of our soldiers who attended martyrdom in Ladakh. The entire country bows them in reverence, with gratitude”.