PM Modi Address to Nation Today: Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said the total economic package announced to deal with the coronavirus outbreak and to make India “self-reliant”, is worth Rs 20 lakh crore or 10% of the country’s GDP.
“This will play an important role in the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’, he said, adding that the the announcements made by the govt so far, the decisions of the RBI and today’s package totals to Rs 20 Lakh Crores or 10% of India’s GDP.”
This is the prime minister’s fifth address to the nation, including a video message, following the outbreak of COVID-19, which has so far claimed 2,293 lives.
PM Modi’s address comes after meeting with chief ministers, with several states, including Maharashtra, Punjab, Telangana and West Bengal, seeking an extension of the lockdown. Others pitched for further easing of restrictions and more say in which districts fall under red, orange and green zones.Some states, including Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Andhra, Bihar and Tamil Nadu, had reservations on allowing inter-state transport, be it rail or air, and wanted to be consulted before a decision is taken. The Centre had, on Sunday, announced partial resumption of rail services between New Delhi and several major cities.
PM Modi first addressed the nation over India’s coronavirus preparedness on March 19, where he announced a “janta curfew” on March 22. On March 24, he announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown. On April 14, he extended the lockdown period till May 3. On April 3, in a video message, Modi asked the nation to light lamps for frontline corona warriors on April 5. The lockdown was further extended till May 17 by the Home Ministry.