Ahead of Unlock-1 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday advised more carefulness and alertness due to the opening of a major segment of the economy, he dwelt at length on the “distress of the workforce” which, he said, was “representative of India’s eastern region” that needs to be developed.
“The last time I spoke to you through ‘Mann Ki Baat”, passenger train services, busses and flights had come to a standstill. This time around much has resumed-Shramik special trains are operational; other special trains too have begun. With utmost precautions, flights have resumed; industry too is returning to normalcy…whether it’s the mandatory two yards distancing, wearing face masks or staying at home to the best extent possible, there should be no laxity on our part in complete adherence,” he said
On the issue of migrant labourers, he said: “Today, the distress our workforce is undergoing is representative of that of the country’s eastern region. The very region which possesses the capacity to be the country’s growth engine, whose workforce possesses the capability and the might to take the country to greater heights…the eastern region needs development. It is only the development of the eastern region that can lead to a balanced economic development of the country.
“We have accorded priority to the development of eastern India. In the last few years, much has been done in this direction which gives me inner satisfaction. And now, considering the migrant labourers, the need of the hour is devising a new solution - paradigm…We are ceaselessly taking steps in that direction. For example, at places skill mapping of labourers is being carried out; at other places start ups are engaged in doing the same…the establishment of a migration commission is being deliberated upon. Besides that, recent decisions taken by the Central government have opened up vast possibilities of village employment, self employment and small scale industry.”
While Modi cited the examples of many people willing to give their all in the service of others in the ongoing crisis, he also revealed how leaders from across the world have been asking him if Yoga and Ayurveda could be of help in this calamitous period of Corona. Referring to the International Yoga Day on June 21, the PM urged people to participate in an online yoga competition being organised by the Ayush Ministry.
Ahead of the World Environment Day on June 5, the PM highlighted how the lockdown, sans little pollution, has led to the revival of bio-diversity and called for deriving inspiration to live life in harmony with nature.
Modi spoke about how people in West Bengal and Odisha have collectively faced Cyclone Amphan, and at the same time also cited the ongoing locusts’ attack across States.
“Several states in the country have reported locust attacks. These attacks have reminded us that a small creature can be immensely harmful. These attacks can go on for several days, affect large parts," he said.
“Be it at the level of Government of India, state government, agriculture department or administration, all are involved using modern techniques and new inventions to not only help the farmers but also lessen the loss accruing due to this crisis," he said adding the government will provide aid to all those who are affected by locusts attack.
