SME Times News Bureau | 19 Mar, 2020
Addressing the nation on combating COVID-19,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the business community and higher income
groups to look after the economic needs of those from lower income groups, from
whom they take various services, urging them not to cut their salary on the
days they are unable to render the services due to inability to come to the
workplace.
The Prime Minister stressed on the importance of
humanity during such times and to deal with the economic challenges caused by
the pandemic, Modi announced the creation of ‘COVID-19 Economic Response Task
Force’ under the Union Finance Minister.
The Task Force will consult stakeholders, take
feedback, on the basis of which decisions will be taken to meet the challenges.
The Task Force will also ensure implementation of the decisions taken to meet
these challenges.
Modi also assured the countrymen that there would
not be any shortage of essential items like food, milk, medicines etc. He urged
people to not resort to panic buying.
Prime Minister exhorted everyone to work together
and contribute fully to overcome the crisis of COVID-19.
He urged the citizens not to fall prey to
misinformation. Prime Minister said that during the time of such a global
pandemic, it is important to ensure that ‘humanity wins and India wins’.
Modi said that patience and resolve of all
Indians is vital in fighting the global pandemic which has wreaked havoc
all over the world.
He requested citizens to follow certain measures
to ensure the containment of the fast spreading virus. He emphasized on the
importance of not taking the pandemic lightly and the need to be aware and
proactive towards prevention of COVID-19.
Prime Minister urged citizens to follow the
mantra of “when we are healthy, the world is healthy”.
He stressed on the importance of following self imposed
norms like ‘social distancing’.
Requesting citizens to patiently abide by the
norm, he urged the need to isolate oneself and come out of the house only if
imperative, while trying to work from home and avoid unnecessary travel.
He also urged that senior citizens above the age
of 60 should not come out of their homes for the coming few weeks. Highlighting
the stress on the hospitals, he urged everyone to avoid routine check ups
during this time and to extend the date of surgeries scheduled, wherever feasible.
Modi urged citizens to follow
the concept of ‘Janta Curfew’ on 22 March, 2020 from 7 AM to 9 PM,
wherein no one apart from those involved with essential services is supposed to
venture out of home.
He said that the success of such a people’s
movement and the experiences gained from it will prepare us for the challenges
ahead. He added that our efforts on March 22, would be a symbol of our self
restraint and determination to perform duty in the national interest.
Urging the state governments to take the lead,
Prime Minister asked all youth organizations including NCC and NSS, civil
societies to generate awareness among people about the ‘Janta Curfew’.
He urged everyone to try to inform at least ten
other people over phone about this self imposed curfew.
Prime Minister said that there are many brave
people who are in the forefront of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic like medical
staff, police, government servants, airline staff, media persons,
bus/train/auto operators and those involved in providing home delivery.
To pay respects to their huge service to the
nation during such trying times, Prime Minister suggested that on March 22 at 5
PM, all citizens should acknowledge and salute their efforts by standing in the
balconies and at the doors of their houses and clap or ring bells for five
minutes as a show of appreciation .
He urged the local government across the country
to indicate the timing through blaring out a siren at 5 PM.