Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 30: Amid rising Covid-19 cases, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Tuesday, June 30.

He said, “In comparison to other countries, India's mortality rate is lower and India is in a stable condition. With Unlock 1.0, a lot carelessness is being observed in people's behaviour. And this is coming at a time when we need to be more alert. This is a dangerous trend. People had followed rules properly during the lockdown period. They need to continue to follow those rules even now. Be it the village chief or the prime minister of the country, no one is above the law.

“The government had made sure that no poor sleeps on an empty stomach during the lockdown. That is why we had come up with the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana. Funds have been transferred to 9 crore farmers for procurement of grains for the Garib Kalyan Yojana. The government has provided free food grains, 5 kilos wheat or rice, to the poor.

“My announcement is related to this. The onset of Monsoon is our country is accompanied with a lot of festivities, which leads to more expenses. Hence, 80 crore people will be given free food grains till November end under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana. This scheme is going to cost the government more than Rs 90,000 crore.

“The government is also mulling over 'One Nation One Ration Card' scheme. This will benefit the poor immensely.

“The success of the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana goes to India's farmer and the taxpayer. Without them, the scheme to feed the poor would not have scaled such heights.

“We will continue our fight against coronavirus crisis, we will follow guidelines and ensure precaution to contribute to the reopening of the economy. We will work towards becoming Atmanirbhar or self-reliant, we will be vocal for local. We will maintain do-gaz-zoori and will not be negligent. With this, I take your leave,” he said.

This was PM’s sixth address to the nation in four months since the pandemic broke out and started getting out of hand. His address comes as the government prepares for Unlock Phase II, 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.

It may be recalled, in addition to lockdown, PM Modi had announced an Rs 20-lac-crore financial package to boost the economy and aid migrant labourers affected by the coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown, in his addresses to the nation.