PM holds interaction with CMs to discuss situation emerging post Unlock 1.0

Published By : Admin | June 16, 2020 | 16:26 IST
PM Modi interacts with Chief Ministers on Covid-19 issue
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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today interacted with Chief Ministers via video conferencing to discuss the situation emerging post Unlock 1.0 and plan ahead for tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the sixth such interaction of the Prime Minister with the Chief Ministers, the earlier ones had been held on 20th March, 2nd April, 11th April, 27th April, and 11th May.

Timely decisions to combat the virus

Prime Minister observed that timely decisions taken to combat the pandemic have been effective in containing its spread in the country. When we look back, people will remember that we have presented an example for cooperative federalism to the world, he said.

We have tried to save each and every life, the Prime Minister said. He underlined that all modes of transport are now open, lakhs of migrant labourers have travelled back to their villages, thousands of Indians have returned from abroad, and even though India has a huge population, coronavirus has not assumed as life threatening a form as in the rest of the world. He said that health experts worldover are praising the discipline shown by Indians, adding that the recovery rate in the country is now over 50%. He also noted that India is amongst the nations with the least deaths due to coronavirus. Prime Minister mentioned that a big lesson is that if we remain disciplined and follow all rules, coronavirus will cause least damage. He emphasized on the importance of usage of mask/ face cover, without which no one should venture out. This is not just important for the person concerned but also for his family and community. He also talked about following the mantra of ‘do gaz doori’, washing hands with soap and using sanitizer. He forewarned that any laxity in discipline will weaken our fight against the virus.

Green Shoots in Economy

Prime Minister noted that with the efforts of the past few week, green shoots in the economy are visible, including rise in power consumption which was earlier falling, fertilizer sale in May this year seeing a significant increase, a healthy increase in Kharif sowing in comparison to last year, production of two wheelers increasing, digital payment in retail reaching pre lockdown level, increase in toll collection in May and bouncing back of exports. These signals are encouraging us to forge ahead.

Benefits of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan

Prime Minister said there is significant importance of agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and MSMEs in the participating States, provisions for which have been made under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan. Talking about the provisions to provide timely credit to MSMEs, he said that if quick disbursal of credit to industries is ensured through Bankers Committees, these industries will be able to start working quickly while also ensuring provision of employment opportunities. Smaller factories require guidance and hand-holding, he said. He mentioned the importance of working together on value chains to give fillip to trade and industry. Specific Economic Activity Points in the states should work 24 hours a day and loading and unloading should be quickened to give further boost to economic activity.

Prime Minister mentioned the benefits set to accrue to farmers through reforms in the agriculture sector, including new avenues to sell produce, increase in income which in turn would increase demand in the economy. New opportunities for North-East and tribal regions in the areas of farming and horticulture are set to be created, with opening up of new markets for organic products, bamboo products and other tribal produce. The States will also benefit from a cluster based approach for local products, he said, adding that such products should be identified at each block and district level for better processing and more effective marketing. He emphasized on the need of working together to ensure that the announcements made under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan fructify at the earliest.

Chief Ministers speak

Today’s interaction was the first part of the two day interaction, and witnessed participation of States and UTs including Punjab, Assam, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Goa, Manipur, Nagaland, Ladakh, Puducherry, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra Nagar Haveli & Daman Diu, Sikkim and Lakshadweep.

The Chief Ministers thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership during such a challenging time and uniting the country to fight for the collective fight against the virus. They provided feedback about existing health infrastructure in their states and efforts for augmentation to tackle the impact of the virus. They mentioned about the awareness campaigns being run by them, help being provided to workers who have returned home, usage of Aarogya Setu app, and kickstarting of economic activities in the states.

Focus on both life and livelihood

Prime Minister thanked the Chief Ministers for their views. He underscored the importance of being focussed on both life and livelihood. He said that on the one hand, health infrastructure will need to be boosted with emphasis on testing and tracing, economic activity will also need to be increased. The decisions need to be taken keeping in view both current needs and future requirements.

He asked the leaders to continuously keep driving in the fact that danger of the virus is not over yet, and the need to remain vigilant while opening up the economy.

Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that while we have so far fought a successful battle against the pandemic, the road ahead is long and suggestions given by the Prime Minister regarding use of mask/face cover, maintaining do gaz doori etc should be followed by all.

Earlier review of preparations

Prime Minister had held a detailed meeting with senior ministers and officials on 13th June to review India’s response to Covid-19 pandemic. The meeting had reviewed the national level status and preparation in the context of the pandemic.

It was observed that out of the total cases two-thirds are in 5 states with an overwhelming proportion of cases in big cities. In view of the challenges being faced, particularly by the large cities, it was discussed to augment testing as well as the number of beds and services to effectively handle the peak surge of daily cases.

Prime Minister had taken cognizance of the recommendations of the Empowered Group on city- and district-wise requirements of hospital beds/isolation beds which will be required and instructed Health Ministry officials to undertake emergency planning in consultation with the States/UTs. He had also advised the Ministry to ensure suitable preparations in view of the start of the Monsoon season.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a high-energy address in Haldia, galvanising BJP supporters and setting the tone for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. Addressing a massive gathering, PM Modi invoked the spirit of past political transformation and projected a similar wave sweeping across the state.

Recalling the political shift led by Nandigram and Medinipur five years ago, PM Modi said, “Medinipur and Nandigram showed the path of change five years ago. Now, the entire West Bengal has embarked on that very path of transformation.” He added, “What Nandigram achieved then, Bhawanipur will witness this time and the same change will echo across Bengal.”

The rally resonated with energetic slogans as the PM urged the crowd to join in, saying, ‘Paltano dorkar… Chai BJP Sarkar!’ The overarching theme of his address focused on restoring Bengal’s pride and setting it back on a path of growth and prosperity. PM Modi remarked, “This is not an ordinary election. It is about restoring Bengal’s glory, strengthening the foundation of a developed Bengal and taking the first decisive step by bidding farewell to a ruthless government.”

The Prime Minister contrasted India’s rapid economic progress with what he described as Bengal’s decline under the current state government. He said, “India is progressing at a fast pace, but the TMC government has pushed Bengal backwards on key development parameters.” He pointed to the industrial decline of Haldia and the migration of youth as indicators of governance failure.

On employment and youth issues, PM Modi accused the TMC government of betrayal. “The youth of Bengal have been doubly betrayed, there are no private jobs and even government recruitments have been looted,” he said. Emphasising reform, he assured that a BJP government would ensure transparent, time-bound recruitment and organise employment drives.

Addressing economic potential, particularly in fisheries, PM Modi highlighted missed opportunities. “Despite immense potential, Bengal is not self-reliant in fish production. In contrast, states governed by BJP or NDA have doubled production and are now exporting,” he noted, adding that a double-engine government would unlock Bengal’s blue economy.

He also criticised the state government for not effectively implementing central welfare schemes. “Because these schemes carry the ‘PM’ tag, they are either renamed or not implemented, hurting the poor and the elderly,” he said

Focusing on women’s safety, PM Modi expressed concern over rising crimes. “In Bengal today, daughters are not safe be it on the streets, in schools or workplaces. This is due to the protection given to criminals,” he asserted, while assuring that a BJP government would guarantee safety and dignity.

Outlining his vision, the Prime Minister presented “Modi’s Six Guarantees” for Bengal, promising governance based on trust, accountability, strict action against corruption, justice for victims, protection of constitutional rights and implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission for government employees.

Concluding his address, PM Modi called for decisive voter participation. “On 23rd April, every vote will shape Bengal’s future. Press the lotus button at every booth and ensure a government that delivers development, dignity and security,” he urged.