It was the second day of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interaction with the CMs of 15 states and he stressed upon getting ready for Unlock 2.0, ramping up health infrastructure, fighting rumours of lockdown, battling fear and stigma, and full utilisation of existing testing capacity along with constant efforts for expansion.
PM Modi observed that the spread of the virus is greater in certain big states and cities. High density of population and daily movement of huge numbers of people have made the task challenging. Through timely tracing, treatment and reporting, the number of those recovering is rising. He added that the discipline shown by people during lockdown has prevented the exponential growth of the virus.
The PM spoke about the presence of better health infrastructure and trained manpower to meet challenges. He highlighted the increase in domestic manufacturing capabilities of PPE, masks, supply of ventilators made in India using PM care fund, lakhs of Covid beds and thousands of isolation and quarantine centres. He also stressed the importance of testing to quickly trace, track and isolate those affected. The existing testing capacity needs to be utilised fully.
He also spoke about the emotional aspect of the battle against the virus, adding that “Jan bhagidari” is essential and people must be constantly reminded to use masks, cover face and maintain social distancing.
The PM, while thanking the CMs for their views, spoke about the need to speed up economic activity with adequate protection. He also stressed upon the need to fight rumours of lockdown, mentioning that the country is now in phase of unlocking and how we need to now think of Unlock 2.0. PM Modi noted that with reduction in restriction indicators of economic performance are showing signs of revival. Inflation has also been kept under control. He asked the states to take steps to boost infrastructure and construction-related work. He also underscored the need to remain alert to effectively tackle the challenges faced by the migrant labourers in the coming months.
The Wednesday interaction was attended by the CMs of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, UP, MP, West Bengal, Karnataka, Bihar, AP, Haryana, J&K, Telangana and Odisha. The CMs briefed the PM about their preparedness to tackle the impact of the virus. They talked about the health infrastructure to meet the challenge and steps taken to strengthen it further, support provided to frontline workers, monitoring in the containment zone, campaign to encourage usage of masks, increase in testing and providing gainful employment opportunities to the migrants who have returned.