Starting his address to nation, PM Modi emphasised self-reliance and said that humanity will not accept defeat from coronavirus. "The only way forward is self-reliance. India's self-reliance addresses concerns about world's happiness and peace", PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister said that even though the situation in the country is unprecedented, humanity will not accept defeat from the pandemic. "The humankind will not deter. We will have to further firm up our resolve, protect ourselves and march forward," he added.
PM Modi also made a huge announcement during his address to the nation with rolling out a mega economic package which is almost 10 per cent of India's GDP.
Further ending all speculations, PM Modi announced Lockdown 4.0 in the country, starting from May 18. The Prime Minister, however, stated that the fourth edition of lockdown will come with more relaxations and eased restrictions.
"Lockdown 4.0 will be different and have new rules and you will be informed about it before May 18," PM Modi said.
Here are the key highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation:
i. While starting his address to nation, PM Modi said that the world never seen or heard about such a crisis ever before. "This is definitely unimaginable for mankind. This was unprecedented. But humanity will not accept defeat from this virus. We have to not only protect ourselves but also move forward," he said.
ii. "More than 42 lakh people from different countries have been infected by Covid-19, more than 2.75 lakh people have lost their lives due to the virus. In India too many families have lost their dear ones, I express my condolences to them," PM Modi said.
iii. Prime Minister also called for achieving self-reliance to fight and win the war against the Coronavirus that has brought the world to a standstill. "When India speaks of self-reliance, it does not advocate for a self-centered system. In India's self-reliance there is a concern for the whole world's happiness, cooperation and peace," PM Modi said.
iv. In his address, PM Modi also announced a mega economic package worth Rs 20 lakh crore to revive the Indian economy. "I announce a special economic package today. This will play an important role in the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan'. The announcements made by the government over Covid-19, decisions of RBI and today's package totals to Rs 20 lakh crores. This is 10 per cent of India's GDP," he said.
v. Prime Minister said that the financial package will help home industry, small-scale industries, MSMEs, which are the means of livelihood for crores of people. He also said that the package belongs to farmers too, who work hard in extreme conditions and even for the middle class who pay their taxes on time.
vi. Last but not the least, PM Modi made it clear that India will head towards fourth phase of the lockdown, but it will much different than the first three phases. "The fourth phase of the lockdown will be completely new in form and rules," PM Modi said.
vii. PM Modi stated that Centre will incorporate suggestions given by chief ministers during Monday's video-conference to formulate rules for Lockdown 4.0 which will be conveyed to people before May 17. The fourth phase of lockdown will start from May 18.
In his virtual meet with chief ministers on Monday, PM Modi said the challenges are two-fold -- reduction of the transmission rate of the novel coronavirus and gradual increase in public activities while adhering to all guidelines.
In his March 19 address, the prime minister announced a "Janta Curfew" on March 22. Later on March 24, he announced the 21-day nationwide lockdown to combat the spread of Covid-19 and then on April 14 he announced extending it for another 19 days till May 3.
However, the Central government then again announced the extension of the lockdown for two more weeks on May 1 till May 17.