PM gives a clarion call for ‘Self-reliant India’

New Delhi: Giving a call for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a special economic package of Rs. 20 lakh crore, equivalent to 10% of country’s GDP.

PM addressed the nation on Tuesday evening. Talking about the pre and post COVID worlds, he observed that the dream of India’s 21st century is to become self-reliant. The definition of self-reliance has undergone a change in the globalized world, he said and clarified that when the country talks about self-reliance, it is different from being self-centered. He said that India’s culture considers the world as one family, and progress in India is the progress of whole world.

Recalling the devastation in Kutch after the earthquake, PM said that through determination and resolve, the area was back on its feet. A similar determination is needed to make the country self-reliant. He said that a self-reliant India will stand on five pillars -Economy, Infrastructure, System, Vibrant Demography, and Demand.

Announcing the special economic package, PM said this package, taken together with earlier announcements by the government during COVID crisis and decisions taken by RBI, is to the tune of Rs 20 lakh crore, which is equivalent to almost 10% of India’s GDP. He said that the package will provide a much needed boost towards achieving ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

PM observed that the package will focus on land, labour, liquidity and laws. It will cater to various sections including cottage industry, MSMEs, labourers, middle class, industries, among others. He informed that the details of the contours of the package will be provided by the Finance Minister in coming few days.

Talking about the positive impact of reforms brought about in the last six years, PM said that several bold reforms are needed to make the country self-reliant, so that the impact of crisis like COVID can be negated in future. These reforms include supply chain reforms for agriculture, rational tax system, simple and clear laws, capable human resource and a strong financial system. These reforms will promote business, attract investment, and further strengthen Make in India.

PM remarked that self-reliance will prepare the country for tough competition in the global supply chain, and it is important that the country wins this competition. The same has been kept in mind while preparing the package. It will not only increase efficiency in various sectors but also ensure quality. He said that the package will also focus on empowering the poor, labourers, migrant workers both from organized and unorganized sectors.

“The crisis has taught us the importance of local manufacturing, local market and local supply chains. All our demands during the crisis were met ‘locally’. Now, its time to be vocal about the local products and help these local products become global,” he said.

PM noted that several experts and scientists have said that the virus is going to be part of our lives for a long time. But, it is also important to ensure that our life does-not revolve only around it. He exhorted people to work towards their targets while taking precautions like wearing masks and maintaining ‘do gaz doori’.

On the fourth stage of Lockdown, he said that its contours will be completely different from those seen yet. On the basis of recommendations received from states, new rules will be framed, and information about the same will be conveyed before 18th May.