After the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced Lockdown 5.0 (also known as Unlock 1.0) on 30 May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation through his radio programme “Mann Ki Baat” on Sunday and asked Indians to be more vigilant in the coming days. This was his third radio address during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He said, “With all precautions, airplanes have started flying and gradually the industries are also starting.
Hence, a large part of the economy has opened up. In such a situation, we need to be more vigilant.” The Modi government has been receiving criticism from the Opposition parties for not making enough arrangements for migrant labourers, especially from Bihar. In his address, PM Modi broke his silence on the ongoing problems of the migrant labourers and stressed on the development of the eastern zone.
“The decisions that the Central government has taken have opened up huge possibilities related to employment, self-employment and small-scale industries in the villages. Many people have told that they have made a complete list of the people they meet in their area. These people are now buying local products only, and are promoting the slogan—Vocal for Local,” he added. PM Modi thanked all the “Corona Warriors” for their service to the nation in the middle of the pandemic. He said, “Our doctors, nursing staff, scavengers, policemen, media personnel are all diligently doing their service.
The number of people who have dedicated their everything to the nation’s service is countless. There are countless stories coming in from all parts of the country regarding the hard work by women who are coming forward to help. In several villages and towns, our sisters and daughters are making masks every day. All social organisations are also supporting them in this work.”
He also hailed railway employees as “Corona Warriors” and thanked them as well for their contributions. Stressing on the need and importance of yoga and Ayurveda, PM Modi mentioned that he discussed these topics with world leaders and they have also shown their interests in these. He informed that the Ministry of AYUSH has started an international video blog competition called “My Life, My Yoga” for people around the world to raise awareness on yoga.
He also highlighted the success of the “Ayushman Bharat” scheme and informed that the number of beneficiaries from this scheme are now over 1 crore with 50% women beneficiaries. During his address, the Prime Minister mentioned that despite higher population, the fatalities due to coronavirus has been less in India as compared to other countries because of everyone’s “collective efforts” and “strong determination”. He again cautioned everyone about the risks of the deadly virus and asked every individual to follow his or her responsibility of following social distancing and wearing masks.