Bhopal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again expressed concern over the Covid situation in the country and described the pandemic as the biggest disaster faced by humanity in the last 100 years.
While interacting with the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana in Madhya Pradesh, the Prime Minister said that the Covid pandemic has affected thousands of lives, specially poors. Amid such crisis, India gave the first priority to the poor, in its strategy to combat the crisis due to coronavirus.
"Be it Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana or Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana, we thought about food and employment of the poor from day one itself," PM Modi said.
He said that as many as 80 crore Indians got free ration during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. These include five crore people from Madhya Pradesh. Not just wheat, rice or pulses but over 8 crore poor families were even provided free gas cylinders during lockdown. Over 20 cr women received around Rs 30,000 crores directly in their Jan Dhan bank accounts.
Further in his video interaction, the Prime Minister mentioned about the flood crisis in the state and assured assistance from the Centre.
"Unfortunate that several districts of MP are facing rain & flood. Lives & livelihood of several people affected. Govt of India &entire nation stands with Madhya Pradesh in these times of crisis. CM Shivraj and his entire team are going to the spots and carrying out rescue and relief operations. Be it NDRF, Central forces, or Air Force, all facilities are being provided to the State Govt for help in this situation," Prime Minister Modi said.
Stressing his government's vocal for local' initiative, Modi said Indians should buy handicraft items during the festival season to encourage those working in this sector.