Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi (AM)
New Delhi, May 12: With five days left for the third phase of the nationwide coronavirus lockdown to end, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Tuesday, May 12. Addressing the nation on the coronavirus situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an economic package of Rs 20 lac crore. He said that it is 10% of India's GDP. The PM added that it was for the MSMEs and the ‘honest taxpayers’.
He said, “One virus has destroyed the world. This is an unprecedented crisis; we have to protect ourselves and move ahead as well.
“When the crisis started then not even a single PPE kit was manufactured in India, only a few N95 masks were available. Today two lac PPE kits and 2 lac N95 masks are manufactured in India daily. When India speaks of self-reliance, it does not advocate for a self-centred system. In India's self-reliance there is a concern for the whole world's happiness, cooperation and peace.
“India runs on five pillars: "Economy, infrastructure, technology-driven system, vibrant demography, demand.
"As a nation, we are standing at crucial crossroads. This crisis also presents us with an opportunity. We have changed the disaster into an opportunity," he added.
The prime minister announced an economic package with the aim to build a self-reliant India. He said, “The economic package for the 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan' is close to 10 per cent of India's GDP. The total allocation including the last package stands at Rs 20 lac crore. Starting tomorrow, the finance minister will apprise you on details about the package meant to drive the country's 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan'.”
"The package will help India compete at the global scale. India will play a major role in the global supply chain. This economic package aims at reforms which will shield our farmers and strengthen Indian industries. Local has saved us. It is not only a necessity, it is our responsibility. Local has to become our 'jeevan mantra'. Today's global brands were once local. We should use local products and also promote them vocally," he said.
"Scientists say that coronavirus will be a part of our lives for a very long time. But we cannot let our lives remain confined around coronavirus. We will wear masks and maintain social distancing but we will not let it affect us. So lockdown 4.0 will be in a new form with new rules. The fourth phase of the coronavirus lockdown in India will be completely different from the earlier three phases of the lockdown. All details will be announced before May 18," he added.
It may be recalled, PM Modi had first addressed the nation over India’s coronavirus preparedness on March 19, where he announced a ‘Janta Curfew’ on March 22. On March 24, he announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown. On April 14, he extended the lockdown period till May 3. On April 3, in a video message, Modi asked the nation to light lamps for frontline corona warriors on April 5. The lockdown was further extended till May 17 by the Home Ministry.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has so far claimed 2,293 lives and infected 70,756 people in the country.