Road ahead is along one, says Narendra Modi on COVID-19 fight

Migration panel on the cards: PM

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that even though curbs have been lifted and the economy has opened-up, people still need to be vigilant without laxity.

The remarks came a day after the Central government issued 'Unlock 1' guidelines allowing a phased re-opening of most activities across the country and limiting the lockdown only to containment zones for a month till June 30.

In his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Modi said, "Many curbs have been lifted. A major chunk of the economy is now active again. We need to be more vigilant, be it maintaining a distance of six feet, wearing a mask, staying at home, we must follow all this without laxity. The road ahead is a long one; we are fighting a pandemic about which little was previously known."

The Prime Minister added, "Looking at the world we realise how big is the achievement of Indians. The population is more, challenges are different, but even then coronavirus could not spread as fast as it did in other countries. The fatality rate is also lower in our country."

He also lauded the people for their collective efforts in valiantly fighting the battle against coronavirus. "During this pandemic, we have shown that the idea of service and sacrifice are not mere ideals for us but are the way of life. The entire movement is people driven. In such a vast country, every citizen has taken upon themselves to fight the battle."

He said that the innovation amid the challenging times has touched his heart as a multitude of countrymen from villages and cities, from small scale traders to startups and labs are devising even new ways of fighting against the virus.

The Prime Minister said that the vaccine development programme in the Indian labs is being watched by the world with anticipation and hope.

"There is a saying, "Seva Paramo Dharma". Service is a pleasure in itself. The victory over the virus will depend on our innovation," Prime Minister Modi added.

Migration panel on the cards: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday also said that discussions are underway to set up a migration commission for the employment of migrant labourers. His remarks came in the backdrop of the reverse migration of millions of workers to their native States amid the nationwide lockdown.

"At some places, work to map the skills of labourers is taking place; at some start-ups are involved in this task; and elsewhere the constitution of migration commission is being considered," Modi said in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'. Besides, he said, steps are being taken to open up opportunity for employment, self-employment, and small-scale industries in villages.

The Prime Minister said that poor people and labourers are the "worst-affected" due to the pandemic. "Their pain cannot be expressed in words," he said.

"These decisions are aimed at resolving the crisis, building 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. Had our villages, towns and districts been self-reliant, several problems would not have taken the shape in which they are today," he added. (IANS) 

Also watch: Morning Bulletin | 3rd June, 2020