Focus should now be on controlling Covid, shielding rural India: PM
Focus should now be on controlling Covid, shielding rural India: PM
NEW DELHI:
Appreciating the efforts of all states in the nation’s fight against the coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Let us stay the course as we move forward together.” He was interacting for the fifth time with state chief ministers via video conference on Monday.
The PM noted that there was global recognition of India’s success in handling the COVID-19 pandemic. “We now have a reasonably clear indication as to the geographical spread of the pandemic in India, including the worst affected areas,” he said, adding that over the past few weeks, officials down to the district level have adhered strictly to standard operating procedures. “Yesterday, the Cabinet Secretary briefed the (state) Chief Secretaries and Health Secretaries on the current situation and the steps being taken,” he noted..
The PM noted that “slowly but surely, economic activities have begun to pick up in several parts of the country. In the coming days, this process will further gather steam.”
He said, “We must realize that the fight against COVID-19 has to be more focused now. Going forward, the focus should be on reducing the spread and ensuring that all precautions are taken by people, including social distancing norms by observing ‘Do Gaj Doori’. Follow-up is of paramount importance, and we must do so to the hilt.”
Had an extensive meeting with CMs. Each CM shared their perspective on battling COVID-19.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 11, 2020
We discussed the way ahead in the post-COVID era, the challenges in healthcare, education and other sectors. https://t.co/0SZptVbzAF
He turned his focus to the rural areas of the country, stressing, “We have to ensure that rural India remains free from this crisis.”
The Prime Minister, in a tacit nod to the initiatives being taken by state chief ministers, said that before taking a considered view, “this time we decided to invite ALL chief ministers to speak.”
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