By Vineet Kr. Dikshit

NewsGate Press Network

Soon after his address to the nation that began at 8 pm, his worst critics stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi might have delivered his best speech yet.

At least that’s what the tone and tenor was of many opposition leaders seen speaking on various television stations soon after Modi had finished his speech.

Their first reaction  – a welcome speech (by Modi). It was long overdue while adding “let us wait for the details of this 20 lakh crore economic package”.

The PM had said the details of the new economic package will be given out in the next few days by the Union Finance Minister.

English rendering of PM’s speech

Modi said that this new impetus for the economy in times of CoronaVirus pandemic is equal to 10 per cent of the GDP.

And the new by byword is ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the PM had said. This is going to provide the desired quantum jump to our economy catapulting us globally.

Recently CII had asked the Central Government for 16 lakh crore package to re-start the economy. And what they got today is 20 lakh crore.

Modi’s admirers were quick to compare his ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ speech to the era of game changer economic reforms that took place in 1991 when Manmohan Singh had introduced many free market economic policies.

Main take-aways of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech are:

  • Bold reforms across sectors will drive the country’s push towards self-reliance.
  • Economic package is equivalent to 10 per of the GDP.
  • Its time to take a ‘Quantum Jump’ in the economy.
  • The new catchword is ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
  • It is time to become vocal for our local products and make them global.

The PM also hinted that Lockdown 4.0 beginning from 18 May onwards will be a different affair.

In his telecon with the Chief Ministers held on Sunday, the PM had asked all CMs to forward their suggestions by 15th May on how to go ahead with restarting the economy from Monday next while combating CoronaVirus pandemic.