New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has affirmed that the economy is returning back on track of normalisation after two weeks of the first phase of nationwide unlock. In his opening remarks during his interaction with the Chief Ministers of 21 States and Union Territories through video conference, Mr. Modi said that the views and experiences of all states and Union Territories will be discussed to strategize future roadmap of nation’s fight against the global pandemic.
The Prime Minister said that even a single loss of life due to COVID is saddening and the nation should not lower its guard even during the unlock. He urged every citizen to strictly follow all necessary precautions including wearing mask, maintaining Do Gaj ki Doori and washing hand regularly with soap.
Highlighting the recovery rate of over 50 per cent from COVID-19, Prime Minister said, the green shoots of rejuvenating economy visible after two weeks into unlock -1 emboldens the belief that through concerted efforts of all states the country can re-stabilise the economy.
Modi highlighted the increased sale of fertilizers, larger year on year sowing of Kharif Crops, Digital payments in retail sector as few benchmarks which he said showed the country drifting into the pre-covid economic track. Mr Modi also mentioned the historic reforms introduced by the government, including to provide automatic collateral free loans to MSMEs and to boost agrarian economy as measures which will ensure creation of strong and sustained demand in the country. He also hailed the decision of creation of cluster based markets, emphasising that the decision will assist in growth of regional economies benefitting far flung areas of the country.
On Wednesday the Prime Minister will interact with another 15 States and Union Territories – Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu And Kashmir, Telangana and Odisha.
Modi held a detailed meeting with senior ministers and officials, including Home Minister and Health Minister on 13th of this month to review India’s response to Covid-19 pandemic.
The meeting assumes significance in the wake of the rising number of novel coronavirus cases in the country. This is the sixth meeting of the Prime Minister with the chief ministers since the announcement of nationwide lockdown in March.
Currently, the country is under the fifth phase of the lockdown which entails much more relaxations than the previous ones. Under Unlock 1.0, the Centre and state governments have eased several restrictions for the convenience of public and businesses to ensure that economic activities gather momentum.
