Watch: PM Modi’s address to the Nation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 20 lakh crore Covid package to breathe life into the crisis-hit economy in the country. He said that Lokdown 4.0 will be completely different from the previous three spells of lockdown as we will now move ahead, taking all precautions, despite the presence of coronavirus, which has claimed 2.75 lakh lives. The package is nearly 10 per cent of GDP, while USA announced 11 per cent of its GDP.

This is the biggest succour to the farming sector, cottage industries, MSMEs and entrepreneurs. His speech appeared to be motivating in the wake of the problems people have been facing during the last 40 days.

The PM also stressed that it was necessary to realise the ‘Make in India’ policy and also insisted the need to give prominence to local products. He said that people should focus on local manufacturing units, local market, local supply chain and also local demand.

He also gave the slogan of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. He said that Indians should be self-reliant and self-sufficient. Citing an example, he said that when India began the fight against coronavirus, the country did not have any personal protection equipment (PPE) kit or N-95 mask. “Now, 2 lakh PPEs and N-9 masks each are being produced in India.”

He called upon the people to find opportunities during the crisis and move ahead with confidence.