PM addresses nation on combating COVID-19

Published By : Admin | March 19, 2020 | 20:01 IST
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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the nation on combating the challenge of COVID-19. On the occasion of ‘Navratra’, Prime Minister made nine requests to the people.

Prime Minister said that patience and resolve of all Indians  is vital in fighting the global pandemic which has wreaked havoc all over the world. He requested citizens to follow certain measures to ensure the containment of the fast spreading virus. He emphasized on the importance of not taking the pandemic lightly and the need to be aware and proactive towards prevention of COVID-19.

Prime Minister urged citizens to follow the mantra of “when we are healthy, the world is healthy”. He stressed on the importance of following self imposed norms like ‘social distancing’. Requesting citizens to patiently abide by the norm, he urged the need to isolate oneself and come out of the house only if imperative, while trying to work from home and avoid unnecessary travel. He also urged that senior citizens above the age of 60 should not come out of their homes for the coming few weeks. Highlighting the stress on the hospitals, he urged everyone to avoid routine check ups during this time and to extend the date of surgeries scheduled, wherever feasible.

‘Janta Curfew’

Prime Minister urged citizens to follow the concept of  ‘Janta Curfew’ on 22 March, 2020 from 7 AM to 9 PM, wherein no one apart from those involved with essential services is supposed to venture out of home. He said that the success of such a people’s movement and the experiences gained from it will prepare us for the challenges ahead. He added that our efforts on March 22, would be a symbol of our self restraint and determination to perform duty in the national interest.

Urging the state governments to take the lead, Prime Minister asked all youth organizations including NCC and NSS, civil societies to generate awareness among people about the ‘Janta Curfew’. He urged everyone to try to inform at least ten other people over phone about this self imposed curfew.

Thanking the selfless service providers

Prime Minister said that there are many brave people who are in the forefront of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic like medical staff, police, government servants, airline staff, media persons, bus/train/auto operators and those involved in providing home delivery. 

To pay respects to their huge service to the nation during such trying times, Prime Minister suggested that on March 22 at 5 PM, all citizens should acknowledge and salute their efforts by standing in the balconies and at the doors of their houses and clap or ring bells for five minutes as a show of appreciation .

He urged the local government across the country to indicate the timing through blaring out a siren at 5 PM.

Meeting the Economic Challenges

To deal with the economic challenges caused by the pandemic, Prime Minister announced the creation of ‘COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force’ under the Union Finance Minister. The Task Force will consult stakeholders, take feedback, on the basis of which decisions will be taken to meet the challenges. The Task Force will also ensure implementation of the decisions taken to meet these challenges. 

Prime Minister also urged the business community and higher income groups to look after the economic needs of those from lower income groups, from whom they take various services, urging them not to cut their salary on the days they are unable to render the services due to inability to come to the workplace. He stressed on the importance of humanity during such times.

He also assured the countrymen that there would not be any shortage of essential items like food, milk, medicines etc. He urged people to not resort to panic buying.

Prime Minister exhorted everyone to work together and contribute fully to overcome the crisis of COVID-19. He urged the citizens not to fall prey to misinformation. Prime Minister said that  during the time of such a global pandemic, it is important to ensure that ‘humanity wins and India wins’. 

 

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Shri R. N. Ravi, L. Murugan, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Nainar Nagendran, E. V. Velu, and my dear brothers and sisters of Tamil Nadu, Vanakkam!

I feel honoured to be in the sacred and historic city of Madurai. I bow to Meenakshi Amman and Bhagwan Sundareswarar. Today’s event marks a proud chapter in Tamil Nadu’s development journey. We have laid foundation stones, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation, projects worth over Four Thousand Four Hundred Crore Rupees. These projects will transform connectivity, boost the economy, create jobs and transform lakhs of people’s lives. Better roads for farmers to reach markets. Easier travel for pilgrims and tourists. Faster transport for businesses. Building high-quality infrastructure is about empowering people.

Friends,

Over the past twelve years, the Government of India has made huge investments in Tamil Nadu’s highway network. Over Four Thousand Kilometres of highways have been built here since 2014. Today, I am happy to lay the foundation stone for two major national highway projects. First, the four-laning of the Marakkanam–Puducherry section, with an investment of over Two Thousand One Hundred Crore Rupees. This will strengthen coastal tourism, trade and economy in both Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Second, the four-laning of the Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram stretch. In this project, we are investing over One Thousand Eight Hundred Crore Rupees. It will significantly enhance access to places like Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi. This ensures ease of travel for pilgrims and smoother movement of agricultural produce and marine products.

Friends,

Over the last decade, Indian Railways has undergone a historic transformation. It is emerging as a modern, efficient and people-centric transport system. This transformation is particularly visible in Tamil Nadu. The railway budget allocation for Tamil Nadu has increased nearly nine-fold since our government came in. During 2009 to 2014, the average yearly railway allocation was Eight Hundred and Eighty Crore Rupees. In 2026–27, the allocation has increased to Seven Thousand Six Hundred Crore Rupees.

In Tamil Nadu, more than One Thousand Three Hundred Kilometres of new tracks have been laid. 97% electrification has been achieved. Hundreds of flyovers and underpasses have improved safety and efficiency. Last year, I had the privilege of inaugurating the new Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu. It is India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, a symbol of engineering excellence. This bridge in itself has become a major tourist attraction in Tamil Nadu.

Friends,

Right now, 9 Vande Bharat trains and 9 Amrit Bharat trains are benefitting the people of Tamil Nadu. The coaches of such high-speed trains are being manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. It is a matter of pride that our vision of ‘Make in India’ is boosting self-reliance and creating jobs for our youth. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Seventy-Seven railway stations are being modernised. These stations blend comfort, accessibility and local identity. Today, we are inaugurating Eight redeveloped stations across Tamil Nadu. The dedication of the Chennai Beach–Chennai Egmore fourth line will benefit thousands of daily commuters in Chennai. I am also pleased to inaugurate Akashvani’s new FM relay transmitters in Kumbakonam, Yercaud and Vellore. These radio stations will be dedicated to your service from today.

Friends,

Infrastructure funding to Tamil Nadu has now tripled, compared to the previous decade. And the Budget of 2026 continues the trend with a strong focus on Tamil Nadu. In this budget, we have proposed Bengaluru–Chennai and Chennai–Hyderabad bullet train corridors. They will revolutionise the economy of this whole region. The budget positions Tamil Nadu as part of the Rare Earth Corridors. Rare Earth Corridors will promote advanced manufacturing, research and technology development.

Friends,

Tamil Nadu has a rich history and heritage. Historic sites such as Adichanallur will be developed into global heritage destinations. Ecotourism initiatives around Lake Pulicat and Podhigai Malai will create new job opportunities while preserving natural ecosystems. Across the nation, around Two Hundred industrial clusters will be identified and supported, to boost manufacturing. We all know that Tamil Nadu is home to many industries and therefore, this scheme will benefit the youth here.

Friends,

Every Indian is inspired to build a developed nation by 2047. Tamil Nadu will play a decisive role in shaping the nation’s destiny. Our collective goal is a developed Tamil Nadu for developed India. The Centre remains fully committed to enabling inclusive development and the state’s progress.

Nandri!