Picture : Twitter / ANI
In his sixth address to the nation during the on- going coronavirus pandemic , Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the people to take care of themselves especially since the coming monsoon season was anyway a harbinger of illnesses.
The timely lockdown has saved lakhs of lives in India, he said. But the moment Unlock 1.0 was announced people have begun to be careless in terms of using a mask, washing hands, maintaining social distancing. This carelessness is worrying, the PM said.
“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. Ever since Unlock1 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.”
“Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, we announced a package of Rs. 1.75 lakh crore. In the last 3 months, Rs. 31,000 crore was deposited in bank accounts of 20 crore poor families. Also, Rs 18000 crore deposited in bank accounts of more than 9 crore farmers.
“The PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana will continue till end November. Accordingly, 80 core Indians will get free foodgrains till November. Every family member of will receive 5 kilos of wheat or rice, and one kilo chana every month, from the government. The cost of this measure works out to Rs 90,000 cr.
“During the lockdown, rules were strictly abided by. Now, govts, 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.”
The Prime Minister also talked about the “One Nation, One Ration Card” scheme which he said would benefit thousands of migrant workers and their families who had no fixed home or income. He credited farmers and taxpayers for bolstering India’s fight against the coronavirus that has infected 5.6 lakh people in the country.
“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.
