PM Modi underlined that the motto of the government earlier was ‘jaan hai to jahaan hai’ but now is ‘jaan bhi jahaan bhi’.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday told the state chief ministers said that the motto of the government earlier was ‘jaan hai to jahaan hai’ but now it is ‘jaan bhi jahaan bhi’ as the nation battles novel coronavirus.
In his interaction with chief ministers of all states via video conferencing to strategize ahead for tackling COVID-19, Modi observed that there seems to be a consensus amongst the states on extension of lockdown by another two weeks.
This was the third such interaction of the Prime Minister with the chief ministers, the earlier ones had been held on April 2 and March 20. The interaction was also attended by Union Home Minister, Defence Minister, Health Minister, Principal Secretary, Cabinet Secretary and other senior officials of Government of India.
The Prime Minister observed that the combined effort of the Centre and the states have "definitely helped reduce the impact of COVID-19 but since the situation is rapidly evolving, constant vigilance is paramount."
He emphasized the criticality of coming 3-4 weeks for determining the impact of the steps taken till now to contain the virus, adding that teamwork is the key to facing the challenge.
Modi categorically assured that India has adequate supplies of essential medicines and said that measures are being taken to ensure availability of protective gear and critical equipment for all front-line workers, a government press release said.
He also gave a stern message against black marketing and hoarding, it said.
Condemning and expressing distress at the instances of attacks on the doctors and medical staff, and at incidents of misbehaviour with students from North-East and Kashmir, Prime Minister underlined that such cases need to be dealt with firmly. He also spoke about the need to curb lockdown violations and ensure that social distancing is followed.
Modi underlined that the motto of the government earlier was ‘jaan hai to jahaan hai’ but now is ‘jaan bhi jahaan bhi’.
He also talked about strengthening healthcare infrastructure and reaching out to patients through tele-medicine. He also suggested that direct marketing for farm produce can be incentivised to prevent crowding in mandis, for which model APMC laws should be reformed swiftly. Such steps will help farmers sell products at their doorstep.
The Prime Minister also spoke about popularizing the 'Aarogya Setu' app to ensure downloads in greater numbers. He referred to how South Korea and Singapore got success in contact tracing. Based on those experiences, India has made its own effort through the app which will be an essential tool in India’s fight against the pandemic, he said. He also referred to the possibility of the app being an e-pass which could subsequently facilitate travel from one place to another.
Talking about the economic challenges, Modi said that the crisis is an opportunity to become self-reliant and turn the nation into an economic powerhouse.
The chief ministers provided feedback about the COVID-19 cases in their respective states, steps taken by then to maintain social distancing, ramp up healthcare infrastructure, mitigate difficulties of migrants and maintain the supply of essentials. They also suggested that lockdown should be extended by two weeks.
The states have also sought financial and fiscal assistance from the Centre to boost their resources in this fight against the pandemic.
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 "Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting via video conferencing with CMs of states")
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