In the month of
January, when the WHO announced to the world that there has been an outbreak,
none on the countries really expected that the outbreak would turn into a huge
Pandemic and survive for this long. At first the countries didn’t know what to
do with the growing number of cases and deaths. But soon, widespread planning
across countries and several efforts by the government and the citizens has
brought us all this far.
When India saw the
rise in cases, the country went in for the lockdown strategy. The first major
lockdown was introduced in the month of March 2020, and is currently in the 3rd
phase of the lockdown. Coming towards the end of the 3rd phase of
the lockdown and amidst the major Migrant Workers crisis, the country has been
in two minds, whether to extend the lockdown or not. Those in favour of the
lockdown are of the opinion that, with such a huge population, social
distancing would be very difficult and this would in turn increase the cases
across the nation. Those who want relaxation in lockdown are of the thought
that another total lockdown would hamper the Indian economy, kill jobs and
bring about turmoil across the nation. Many are of the opinion that herd
immunity would develop as people start coming out.
Thus, the economy
has been a major concern across the nation as several people are staying
indoors with no major income coming in, out of which the major issues are faced
by small and medium scale businesses, migrant labourers, daily wage workers,
petty shop owners, etc.
On Tuesday, 12th
May 2020, Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the nation at
8pm. People all across the country wanted answers mainly about the fact as to
whether the extension would take place or not. He had a half an hour (approx.)
long speech that focused on trying to answer the several problems people had. The
state of the Indian economy has been a major concern for people all over the
country, and the focus on making the Indian Economy self-reliant had been one
of the major focal points in P.M Narendra Modi’s address this time.
His approach this
time was more psychological and assurance giving, because the awareness about
the eagerness, tension and moral of the people was known to one and all. In
this tensed attitude, his speech began by addressing the multiple events that
the country and the world had experienced in the past 4 months. He expressed
his sympathy to all the countries and the people of India who have been focused
in fighting against, what according to him is the war against a small virus. He
also expressed his distress and empathy towards the migrant workers and several
other people of the country. P.M. Narendra Modi also highlighted that this
century belongs to India and how, prior to the Pandemic, India has performed.
The Prime Minister
of India said that, for 21st century to still be with India there is
a need for an Atmanirbhar Bharat, i.e. a self reliant India. He took an
approach which was somewhat similar to that of localizing production and
consumption (more of a Gandhian way of living).
He further added that India has been successful in converting this
crisis into an opportunity, and if we pledge to make India Atmanirbhar –
self-reliant, we can be at the peak.
According to him,
for our rich culture to flourish in this world, we need a self-reliant India.
He further said that India has led the world in several crises and has been a
global player ever since the beginning. His pledge and focus on bringing about
‘VIKAS’ was prevalent this time as well, continuing his past promise.
He said that the
country depends on 5 strong pillars namely – the economy, Infrastructure, a
technologically sound system, a rich and vibrant demography and the
demand-supply chain, all of which merges into a potentially strong,
self-reliant India.
He introduced a
special economic package of Rs. 20 lakh crore (10% of Indian GDP) in the
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (because 20 lakhs in 2020 = Development), that has
focused on Land, Labour, Liquidity and Laws. These reforms, according to him
are for a better the efficiency and quality of financial system, business,
human resources and Make in India Project. His focus this time was on giving
this package to the farmers, workers, obedient tax payers and the people in
all.
His mention about
the house helpers, people with raidis and thelas, wage workers, etc showed that
he has finally, addressed their problems in a more crucial manner.
His tagline,
“Local ko Vocal karo” showcased that this time he was more inclined towards the
local businesses and expressed how in times of this crisis, the local shops
have been helpful. His advocacy for encouraging the use of local products, and
pushing them to a global level, in a way focused on the Make in India Project
as well. Thus, several people feel that this package is an extension of the
Make in India initiative. But it also needs to be understood, that the focus on
uplifting those who are not into manufacturing, production and service sector,
has also been there in the package. Finally, it took them 3 lockdowns to
understand the state of such people.
In his address, he
announced that India is heading towards the 4th phase of lockdown,
which is the need of the hour. But he also said that we all should follow the
roles, wear masks and follow social distancing, but not be victims of the
crises and not deviate from our goals. He said, that the new lockdown will be
different and will comprise of new rules.
This journey
towards the new lockdown and also have self-reliance seems like it would be
more free. There is scope for relaxation in the rules so that the businesses
can state and the economy can get a boost. How the package is going to work out
for the people, would be subject to the way the package has been addressed and
how the distribution takes place, based on the other decisions. But there is
definitely a possibility of relaxation in several cases, opening up of businesses
and focusing on herd immunity slowly.
How the package
performs, and whether it lives up to the promises, will be known to us very
soon. Let us hope that the new phase of lockdown and the measures involves
reaches out to maximum number of people. Hope is the only reality right now,
against this fight against the invisible enemy, what P. M. Narendra Modi said,
“War against a small virus”.
- Vijayasree V
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