'Janata Curfew' and other highlights from PM Modi’s address to the nation
3 min read 19 Mar 2020, 09:30 PM ISTThe live telecast lasted for 30 minutes and was an attempt to curb the atmosphere of fear in the countryAmong the highlights, was a call for a 'Janata Curfew' and reassurance that supply line for essentials will remain open
PremiumPrime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation after the global outbreak of coronavirus. The live telecast lasted for 30 minutes and was an attempt to curb the atmosphere of fear in the country as well as acted as a call for participation from all citizens.
Among the highlights, was a call for a 'Janata Curfew' and reassurance that supply line for essentials will remain open.
Here are the highlights from the PM's address to the nation:
Crisis Period
The PM compared the outbreak to a global crisis like World War I and World War II. He went on to point out that science hasn’t been able to find a solution for the coronavirus and no vaccine has been developed as of now. He pointed out that the initial period is critical for such pandemics. In the countries that have been affected the worst, the initial outbreak was explosive. PM Modi claimed that India has been monitoring the spread the virus in these countries.
Call to action
A part of his address was a call to action made to every citizen of the country. PM Modi emphasized that the situation in the country is not normal and that thinking that this coronavirus outbreak will not impact India is wrong. He reminded the nation that the outbreak has had grave consequences even in developed countries.
Janata Curfew
The prime minister requested for ‘resolve and restraint’ from all citizens of the country. He asked people to protect themselves from being infected and infecting others by avoiding crowded spaces and not leaving their respective houses.
On 22 March, Prime Minister has called for a ‘Janata Curfew’. The self-imposed curfew will begin at 7am in the morning and will go on till 9pm. There’s no clarity if state and central authorities will actively impose the curfew.
PM Modi asked no citizen to leave the house except for people who are involved in critical services. Government, media and healthcare professionals will have to remain active. He emphasized on the need for senior citizens to stay indoors at all cost.
Don’t overload the healthcare system
PM Modi requested citizens to avoid routine checkups to help medical professionals cope with the surge in coronavirus cases. Elective surgeries can also be postponed for a month, if not urgent. People who still want to consult a doctor should try to do it over the phone.
Formation of Covid-19 Economic Response Task Force
Under the guidance of Ministry of Finance, the government has setup an economic response task force to counter the adverse impact on finances of the country. The task force will watch over the implementation of economic resolutions.
The prime minister claimed that the pandemic has impacted the middle, lower middle and poor classes of the society. He request the rich and business class to keep the workers’ interest in mind.
He reassured that there is no scarcity of essentials like food, milk and medicine and that the supply will not be stopped. He requested people to stop hording essentials and resorting to panic buying.
Gratitude towards professionals at the frontline of the outbreak
The Prime Minister acknowledged the work of different sectors in battling the outbreak. He claimed that since 2 months millions of people are working day and night in hospitals and airports. In view of their hard work, the prime minister has requested all people in the country to assemble in front of their own front doors, windows, balconies and keep clapping their hands for five minutes to salute and encourage the professionals.
He also requested state and local authorities to blow the siren at 5pm on 22 March to remind and inform people.
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