MAAN KI BAAT: 'During 'unlock' be careful to curb corona spread'

* Modi calls for bolstering economy

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly programme 'Mann Ki baat' stressed on the need for carefulness to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and urged the citizens to be more vigilant during the 'unlock' period. "During this unlock period, one will have to focus deeply on two points — defeating corona and strengthening the economy and bolstering it," said Modi.

The Prime Minister said, "During the unlock period, we have to stay more vigilant compared to the lockdown period and only alertness can save you from corona."

"If you do not wear a mask, do not observe the two-yard social distancing norm or do not take other precautions, you are putting others at risk besides yourselves, especially the elderly and children at home," cautioned the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister said, "Some people are expressing that 2020 is not auspicious. People just want the year to be over, one way or the other. But historically, India has always emerged brighter and stronger, ensuring victory over all kinds of disasters and challenges."

INDIA HAS GIVEN BEFITTING REPLY TO CHINA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India has given a befitting reply to the Chinese transgression in Ladakh and the world has seen India's commitment in safeguarding its borders.

"The world has seen India's strength and commitment to peace. We bow to our brave martyrs," the Prime Minister further said adding that they have always kept India safe. Their valour will always be remembered.

"There could be any number of challenges, but our history shows that we have always overcome them. We have emerged stronger after facing the challenges," he said.

This is the first public statement of Modi after the all party meeting where he spoke about the Ladakh issue. He had also assured the country that India gave a befitting reply to China's People's Liberation Army.

ECONOMIC REFORMS OUTLINED: As the economy goes through a tough time amid the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also outlined the steps taken recently for economic liberalisation under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' package whereby the government opened up coal mining and space exploration for private players. The Prime Minister said that as the first phase of 'unlock' is underway, several economic sectors have also been 'unlocked'.

"One decision of allowing commercial mining has completely changed the situation," Modi said. On June 18, he launched the auctions for commercial mining of coal.

Speaking about opening up the space exploration sector to private players, he said that it will not only provide momentum to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, but will also help India become technologically advanced.

Modi also spoke of agricultural reforms and said that post the recent decisions, farmers would now be able to sell their produce to "anyone, anywhere".

Earlier in the month, the Union Cabinet had approved the Farming Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020, which will promote barrier-free inter-state and intra-state trade and commerce outside the physical premises of markets notified under the state Agricultural Produce Marketing legislations.

Farmers were previously restricted from selling their produce outside the notified APMC market yards, and were also allowed to sell the produce only to the registered licensees of the state governments, which is likely to be resolved post the ordinance, as farmers would no longer be under any restriction in terms of selling their produce.

He also said that farmers will now be able to get more loans. "There are several sectors in which the country has taken historic decisions amidst all the challenges to open new paths for development," the Prime Minister said. (IANS)

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