Assures people nation well-stocked with vaccines, medicines, oxygen supply; Opposition parties express disappointment at Modi’s address  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked States to “use lockdown as the last measure” as he assured people that the nation is well-stocked with vaccines, medicines and oxygen supply to “win” the second wave of Covid 19. “I urge the States to consider lockdowns only as the last option and focus creating on micro containment zones,” Modi said in a 20-minute address to the nation.

The Congress and the NCP have expressed disappointment at the PM’s speech. The PM’s speech also triggered a storm on social media with netizens divided on the contents of speech. While most twitteratis were relieved that the PM’s didn’t announce a countrywide lockdown, several others expressed disappointment that his speech did not offer any specific relief.

Stressing that the Government is making all  efforts are to ensure lives and livelihood is least affected, the Prime Minister said, “The country has the biggest vaccination drive in the world with 12 crore vaccine doses injected.” The PM said, “I understand the pain you are going through and express my sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones due to Covid.”

Modi said pharma sector in the country is very robust and it has increased the production of medicines by many folds. He said he had held detailed discussions with leaders of pharma industry for further enhancing drug production.

Modi said the Centre-State and private sector are collectively trying to step-up the production of oxygen supply, the requirement of which has increased in recent weeks.

Similarly, the PM said in many States big hospitals are being set up. In reference to migrant workers, Modi requested State administrations to “win workers confidence” and ask them to be where they are” as they will continue to get their job and employment.

“I request State Governments to urge the workers to stay where they are. This trust given by the States to the workers will help them, and that they will be vaccinated in the city where they are,” he said.

He said from May 1 all above the age of 18 years will be vaccinated. He said half of the vaccines produced in the country “would go to States” and like last year all Government hospitals will provide free vaccines. The PM asked States to use the “lockdown as the last measure” and rather “focus on micro-containment zones”. Modi reminded that, unlike last year, the country is well prepared to cope with the second-wave of coronavirus with “enough vaccines, network of labs, PPE kits, increased testing, and expert knowledge” available to beat the pandemic. 

The PM sought youth to come forward and make small committees to “implement Covid discipline” which will lessen the need for having containment zones or lockdown, he said. He appealed to children to ensure in their homes that none comes out without a serious reason.

Quoting “shastras”, the Prime Minister said patience should not be lost  in difficult times and instead, right decisions need to  be taken to win victory over the adverse time.  Modi referred to the “pious month of Ramzan” which, he said also teaches discipline.