Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation this evening. 

While all sorts of speculations were rife that he would speak on more punitive measures against China, Modi stumped everyone with his topic. It was about unlock 2.0 and the government’s ways to distribute free rations to the weaker sections of the society. 

He said, “In a few days, the festival season will start in the country. In view of this, a decision has been taken to extend the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana till the end of November. The scheme provides free grain to 80 crore people of the country.”

 

On the cost aspect, he said, “Under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, we announced a package of Rs. 1.75 lakh crore. In the last 3 months, Rs. 31,000 crore deposited in bank accounts of 20 crore poor families. Also, Rs. 18000 crore deposited in bank accounts of more than 9 crore farmers.” 

The Prime Minister also mooted the idea of ‘One nation, one ration card.’ 

The PM also had a word about the mortality rates. He said, “This is true that the India has been able to control the mortality rate in comparison to other countries. A timely lockdown and other decisions have saved the lives of lakhs of citizens.”

Modi also did not miss out on an opportunity to talk about social distancing. He said, “Ever since Unlock-1 started in the country, negligence in personal and social behaviour has been increasing. Earlier, we were more cautious about the use of masks, 'do gaj doori' and washing hands several times a day for 20 seconds.”