‘There will be no lockdown in the country, states should fix the supply chain’, PM told Chief Ministers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with the Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of the states through video conferencing. In this meeting, preparations were reviewed in view of the situation arising out of recent developments in West Asia and its possible impact on India. The Prime Minister praised the valuable suggestions shared by all the Chief Ministers and said that these inputs will be helpful in effectively managing the changing situation. He stressed the need for vigilance, preparedness and working together to deal with the challenges ahead.

Referring to the current situation in West Asia, the Prime Minister said that India has previous experience of dealing with similar global problems. He recalled the steps taken together during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Center and states worked together as “Team India” to mitigate the impact on supply chains, trade and everyday life. He emphasized that this spirit of cooperation and coordination is India’s biggest strength in dealing with the current situation.

Constant monitoring is necessary

The Prime Minister stressed that the situation keeps changing, which requires constant monitoring and strategies to work accordingly. He said that an inter-ministerial group has been working since March 3, which is reviewing the situation daily and taking decisions on time. He stressed that the government’s priorities are to maintain economic and trade stability, ensure energy security, protect the interests of citizens and strengthen industry and supply chains. Emphasizing the important role of states, the Prime Minister said that effective implementation of decisions is done at the state level. He appealed for constant dialogue and coordination between the Center and the states, as well as timely sharing of information and joint decision-making, so that responses can be given quickly and collaboratively.

stop rumors from spreading

The Prime Minister appealed to the states to run the supply chain properly and take strict action against hoarding and profiteering. He stressed the importance of operationalizing control rooms at the state and district levels and maintaining administrative alertness to prevent disruptions. He also stressed the need for advance planning in the agriculture sector, especially in monitoring fertilizer storage and distribution, so that farmers do not face difficulties in the coming Kharif season. The Prime Minister cautioned against spreading misinformation and rumors and said that timely dissemination of accurate and reliable information is necessary to prevent panic. He also advised to beware of online fraud and fake agents. The PM asked to pay special attention to deal with any new challenges related to shipping, essential supplies and maritime operations in the border and coastal states.

Open helpline for citizens in West Asia

The PM stressed the importance of maintaining public trust and said that assurance of availability of essential commodities will help prevent unnecessary panic among citizens. He further suggested that states whose citizens are in West Asia should start helplines, appoint nodal officers and create district-level support systems to help affected families and provide timely information. The Prime Minister said that efforts made in recent years to strengthen India’s economic and supply system are proving beneficial in the current situation. He asked to remain in constant touch with the industry and MSMEs to address their concerns and ensure stability in production and employment. He also stressed the need for a strong coordination system at all levels, including regular reviews at the level of Chief Secretaries and continuous monitoring at the district level, to respond promptly to changing situations.

Emphasis on biofuel, solar energy

The Prime Minister talked about simultaneously focusing on immediate response and long-term preparations. He appealed to the states to accelerate efforts to promote other energy sources like biofuel, solar energy, Gobardhan initiative, electric mobility and increase piped natural gas connections. He also stressed the importance of increasing domestic exploration of oil and natural gas with active cooperation of the states. The Prime Minister reiterated that it is everyone’s responsibility to deal with this challenge and expressed confidence that the country will successfully overcome this situation by working together as “Team India”.

All states and center need to work together

During the meeting, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that the government is actively working under the leadership of the Prime Minister to deal with this crisis and is taking positive steps like ensuring timely availability of LPG and reducing excise duty on petrol and diesel. He also stressed the need for joint action by all states, union territories and the Center to deal with the current situation. Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan gave a presentation on the current situation and explained the steps and suggestions to be taken by the states to deal with the situation.

Welcome the decision to reduce excise duty

Chief Ministers of all states expressed confidence that the situation is stable, there is adequate availability of petrol, diesel and LPG and continuous monitoring systems are in place to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities. He largely welcomed the decision to reduce excise duty on fuel, noting that it will provide considerable relief to citizens amid uncertainties across the world. The Chief Ministers also welcomed the decision to increase commercial LPG allocation to States and Union Territories from 50% of the pre-crisis level to 70%. He reiterated his promise to work closely with the Center to effectively manage the changing situation and protect the interests of citizens.

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