‘JAAN HAI TOH JAHAAN HAI’: PM Modi

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To contain CARONA Pandemic PM Calls for 21 days lockdown

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi called for a complete lockdown of the entire nation for the next 21 days beginning at midnight on 24 March, 2020 in an effort to contain the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In a special televised address to the Nation the Prime Minister said that even those nations with the best of the medical facilities could not contain the virus and that the social distancing is the only option to mitigate it. “All of you are also witnessing how the most advanced countries of the world have been rendered absolutely helpless by this pandemic. It is not that these countries are not putting in adequate efforts or they lack resources. The Coronavirus is spreading at such a rapid pace that despite all the preparations and efforts, these countries are finding it hard to manage the crisis.
The analysis of happenings in all these countries since the last two months, and the opinion of experts has proved that there is only one way to effectively deal with Coronavirus – Social Distancing” he said.

The Prime Minister announced that from midnight tonight onwards, the entire country shall go under complete lockdown, a total ban is being imposed on people, from stepping out of their homes for a period of 21 days. He said this decision was taken from the experiences of health sector experts and experiences of other countries and that 21 days is essential to break the chain of infection.

He added that this will be a few levels more than Janata-Curfew, and also stricter. He said this decision is vital in order to protect the country, and each of its citizens against Corona Pandemic.

Discussing the economic impact owing to the Pandemic, the Prime Minister said, “The nation will have to certainly pay an economic cost because of this lockdown. However, to save the life of each and every Indian is our top most priority. Hence, It is my plea to you to continue staying wherever you are right now in the country.”

Shri Modi explained that if the situation is not brought under control in the next 3 weeks, the country could go back 21 years and that several families would be devastated forever. Hence, he urged the people to do just one thing in the next 21 days – to stay inside their homes.

The Prime Minister said the experiences of those countries that have been able to contain Corona offer some ray of hope. He said that those countries that observed lockdown and where people adhered to the rules are able to surmount the pandemic.

The Prime Minister said, “India is at a stage where our current actions will determine how much we are able to minimize the impact of this disaster. It’s time to consistently keep strengthening our resolve. It’s time to exercise caution at every step. You have to remember that Jaan hai toh Jahaan hai. This is the time for patience and discipline. Until the lockdown situation remains, we must keep our resolve, we must keep our promise.”

The Prime Minister said the Central and State Governments countrywide are working swiftly to ensure that citizens do not face much inconvenience in their daily life. He said that provisions have been made to ensure supplies of all essential items continue smoothly. He added that along with the Central and State Governments, individuals from civil societies and institutions are constantly striving to reduce the problems of the poor during this period of crisis.
Shri Modi announced that the Government has provided Rupees Fifteen Thousand Crore (Rs 15,000,00,00,000) for strengthening the medical infrastructure and treatment of the Corona infected patients.

He appealed to the people to beware of any kind of rumors or superstitions circulating during such times. He requested the people not to take any medication without consulting doctors if you are showing any symptoms of this infection. He expressed confidence of every Indian abiding by the instructions of the Government and local authorities during this crucial hour.

Centre provides 1.7L cr package to migrant workers,
labourers, poor & farmers to deal with lockdown

The Centre on March, 27 2020 unveiled Rs 1.7 lakh crore relief package for the weaker section of the society to deal with the impact of the three-weak nationwide lockdown due to the Coronavirus outbreak. The economic package to help migrant workers, labourers, poor and agricultural workers, and others will come into effect immediately. “It has been made to reach out to the most vulnerable sections of the society who are in need of immediate help because of the economic disruption,” said Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman.

Smt. Sitharaman also announced direct cash transfers for a large number of affected people, including senior citizens, widows, farmers and daily-wage labourers. As per the package, health and sanitation workers will be insured for Rs 50 lakh per person. This will cover nearly 20 lakh persons. “Safai karamcharis, ward boys, nurses, paramedics, technicians, doctors and specialists, and others’ health would be covered by a special insurance scheme. Any health professional who while treating Covid-19 patients meets with some accident, then he/she would be compensated with an amount of Rs 50 lakh under the scheme,” stated the Government Press release.

The package says that under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana 80 crore poor people will get 5 kg per person rice/wheat each month for the next 3 months in addition to 5kg of rice/wheat that they already get. Besides, 1kg of pulse according to regional preference for each household.

In a big relief to the rural women, the package says that 8.3 crore BPL Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries will be given free cylinders for the next three months. During this period, a maximum of three gas cylinders will be provided.

The move comes two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered a 21-day nationwide lockdown. Most of the financial benefits will be routed through the DBT scheme into the Jan Dhana account of the beneficiaries. In case, they don’t have such accounts, the Government will make alternative arrangement to provide them financial relief.

Smt. Sitharaman announced that daily wages under the MNREGA have been increased to Rs 202 a day from Rs 182. This will benefit nearly 5 crore families, Sitharaman said.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, farmers will get Rs 2,000 in April. This is expected to cover 8.7 crore families. The total amount distributed is estimated to be Rs 16,000 crore.

In addition, a total of 20.40 crore PM JAN Dhan Yojana women account-holders will be given ex-gratia of Rs 500 per month for next three months. “This will help them run their household during this difficult period. For this purpose, the Government of India will spend Rs 31,000 crore,” Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said.