Prime Minister, in his national address, said that people have become more irresponsible and careless about COVID-19 prevention guidelines since the start of Unlock 1.0. He reiterated the importance of social distancing and wearing masks and warned people against letting down their guard against the pandemic.
“In comparison to other countries across the globe, India is still in a very stable situation in the battle against Covid-19. Timely decisions and measures have played a great role,” Modi said.
“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. During lockdown, rules were strictly abided by. Now, 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. Nobody is above the law, neither government employees nor public – everyone has to abide by the regulations like wearing a mask.” Modi added.
The PM said “there was no situation in the country where the gas stove was not lit to prepare food due to lack of money or resources. The entire country worked towards ensuring that no poor family went to bed hungry. The chances of winning a battle increase multifold when the entire country comes together.”
“Under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana Scheme, 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. PM Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana will be extended till the end of November, extension to cost over Rs 90 thousand crore”
“PM Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan Scheme has commenced in full swing with an amount of Rs 50000 crore to provide employment to the youth and workers.”
“Over 80 cr people received free food ration during this period, including 5 Kg Wheat/Rice and 1 Kg Pulses every month.”
“We have more work during and after the rainy season, mainly in the agriculture sector. There is a slight slow paced progress in other sectors. Gradually, the atmosphere of festivals starts to build from July. This time of festivals also increases the needs, the expenses also”, emphasised Modi.
“Keeping all these things in mind, it has been decided that the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana should now be extended till Diwali and Chhath Puja, that is, by the end of November. Over 80 Crore people to continue receiving free food grain for 5 more months. It will cost over Rs 90000 crore and if we include the money already spent in this domain, it totals to Rs 1.5 Lakh Crore”
The PM mentioned another scheme underway, “One Nation One Ration Card”. This will benefit migrant workers the most who leave their home state to work in another state – they will not experience a problem in procuring subsidised ration anymore, wherever they might be in the country.
The PM expressed his gratitude to farmers and taxpayers by saying “Today, 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.”
