PM Modi Confirms Lockdown 4.0, Announces Rs 20 Lakh Crore Revival Package For Economy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed that the ongoing nationwide lockdown could be extended beyond May 17 hinting with some relaxations. In his fourth televised address to the nation amid the COVID-19 outbreak, PM Modi said that scientists are telling us that corona is going to be with us for a long time.

He, however, said that that the lockdown 4 will be totally different, with new rules; and added that details will be given before May 18.

SCREENGRAB

The Prime Minister in his speech highlighted how India became self-sufficient in manufacturing PPEs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"When the crisis started then not even a single PPE kit was manufactured in India, only a few N95 masks were available. Today 2 lakh PPE kits and 2 lakh N95 masks are manufactured in India daily," he said.

PM Modi said that India's resolve to make ourselves self-reliant. India's self-reliance will be based on five pillars - economy, infrastructure, technology-driven system, vibrant demography and demand.

"Today we have the resources, we have the power and the best talent in the world. We will make the best products, improve our quality, and modernize the supply chain. We can and we will," he said.

SCREENGRAB

At a time when the Indian economy needed a boost, the PM announced a special economic package, which he said will play an important role in the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan'. The announcements made by the government over Covid-19, decisions of RBI and today's package totals to Rs 20 lakh crores which is 10% of India's GDP.

"This economic package is for that labourer of the country, for that farmer of the country who is working day and night for the countrymen in every situation, every season. This economic package is for the middle class of our country, which pays taxes honestly and contributes to the development of the country," he said.

SCREENGRAB

In his speech, the Prime Minister also expressed condolence over the deaths caused by COVID-19 "More than 42 lakh people from different countries have been infected by Covid-19, more than 2.75 lakh people have lost their lives due to the virus. In India too many families have lost their dear ones, I express my condolences to them," he said.

The PM's address to the nation came a day after his meeting with state chief ministers, in which many of them were in favour of continuing the lockdown in some form. India went into lockdown on March 25 for two weeks, which has been since extended with some relaxations.