PM Modi addressed the nation on 30th June 2020 at 4 pm. In his address, he began by expressing his disappointment with people of this nation for their negligence in social and physical distancing since the ‘Unlock 1’ (end of nationwide lockdown on 1st June). Mr Modi also warned about the changing weather by saying that the season of cold, cough and fever is arriving and extra precautions are needed to be taken by the citizens. Mr Modi asked the authorities to work with enthusiasm in this battle against a deadly contagious virus and warned that rules and regulations must be followed as strictly as before.
He further added that everyone must wear masks and do more than just washing hands for 20 seconds as a precaution. In his very own words, no one is above law, neither is a Village Pradhan nor a Prime Minister, rules are the same for everyone. He also said that the nation’s top priority during the lockdown was to make sure no person was left hungry and everyone was properly fed.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana was introduced by the Government soon after the lockdown was lifted. This scheme will provide a total of Rs. 1.75 lakh crore packages to over 20 crore households of the poor. Mr Modi highlighted how in an unprecedented move Government of India had provided free ration and thus fed over 90 crore families over the last three months. The population that was provided free ration was of the size of 2x EU’s population, 2.5x the US’s population and 12x the UK’s population. Mr Modi further announced the extension of this scheme till November 30th, 2020 and said that no one family deserves to be hungry especially during the upcoming festivities. He thanked the taxpayers and most importantly the farmers for their contribution in Government being able to provide free ration.
Mr Modi announced that the idea of ‘one nation, one ration card’ will also be executed in all the states so that all those who travel to different states for employment will have access to ration provided by the Government. This will provide a major major relief to the migrant workers.
Mr Modi also informed the nation that the Government spent Rs. 50,000 crore to not just launch but also implement Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan to provide employment in the rural regions of India. India’s unemployment rate has reached a massive 27% and it was necessary for the Government to act.
Mr Modi also promised to promote local businesses and push India towards its goal of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ which will boost the economic activities of the nation.
We are grateful for all that the Government has done and is doing for the nation and its citizen and how the PM took time out of his busy schedule to deliver this news to the entire nation. We hope the Government achieves success in its bids.