Modi Announces Special Economic Package Worth 20 Lakh Crores, Hints About Lockdown 4

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation, a day after he had a six-hour-long meeting with the Chief Ministers to discuss ways to contain the spread of COVID-19 and also to boost economic activity. This was the fourth time that the PM addressed the nation, post the announcement of the nationwide lockdown that started on 25 March 2020 to stop the spread of the highly infectious coronavirus. Taking to Twitter, the prime minister's office announced, "PM Modi will be addressing the nation at 8 PM this evening."

Suggested A Self-Reliant Nation

Given the current situation, he emphasised on making India a self-reliant country. He started his addressal by saying that, “it’s been four months since the world is a fighting coronavirus. In India, many families lost their dear ones. My condolences to all those families. We need to follow all the guidelines and move forward, especially, when the world is in trouble we need to focus on moving forward by becoming a self-sufficient country,” said PM.

Talking about the nation’s development he said, “The only possible way to become successful is by turning self-independent. As a country, we are facing crucial times. This pandemic is nothing less than an opportunity.” Giving the example of increased production of N-95 air pollution masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, he appreciated the nation for coming a long way as a self-independent country.

Special Financial Package

After describing five pillars on which the magnificent building of self-reliant India will stand, he announced a special financial package as the nation fights this pandemic. The decision both by the government and the RBI will provide Rs 20 lakh package for land, labour, liquidity, and law areas. He said, “This economic package is for that labourer, and farmers of the country who is working day and night for the nation, despite the tough situations. This economic package is for the middle class of our country, who pays taxes honestly and contributes to the development of the country,” said PM in his address.

The Fourth Phase Of Lockdown To Be Announced Soon

PM hinted 4th phase of COVID-19 lockdown will be announced soon, somewhere before the 18th of May. “We must not restrict our lives only around coronavirus.” He also added that the fourth phase of the coronavirus lockdown in India will be completely different from the earlier three phases of the lockdown.

During his meeting with the CMs of different states on 11 May 2020, he talked about two main points. Firstly, he focused on measures needed to reduce the transmission rate of the coronavirus. Secondly, he discussed a gradual increase in public activities while adhering to guidelines suggested by the government and health organisations. His indication was towards the thousands of migrants on the move, desperate to reach home after losing their jobs during the lockdown. As per the media reports, he said, “it is human nature to want to go home.” Keeping in mind that the movement is likely to impact states, he urged everyone to prepare a plan for the migrants and to boost economic activity. "We know that this will lead to a spike in infections, but this will help free the country from coronavirus," said PM Modi.

Don't Miss: PM Modi Hints At Possible Extension Of Coronavirus Lockdown During Video Meet

Just like today’s address, he hinted yesterday too that the lockdown that has already been extended twice would continue, but this time it will be with far fewer restrictions. "I am of the firm view that the measures needed in the first phase of lockdown were not needed during the second phase and similarly the measures needed in the third phase are not needed in the fourth," the Prime Minister said, as per the official statement released to the media post the meeting.

Don't Miss: Modi Annouces Lockdown Till 3 May, Asks India To Help With 7 Steps

During his first address to the nation on March 18, he urged the citizens of India to observe Janata Curfew. He allotted a special timing, between 9 am to 9 pm on March 22 for the same. The second time, he announced the 21-day nationwide lockdown to contain the virus from spreading further. The third time on April 14 he extending the lockdown for another 19 days till May 3. Crossing 70,000 cases mark today, India has reported 70,756 confirmed coronavirus cases in India as of now. Other than this, 22,455 people recovered, but 2,293 lost their lives.