PM Modi states India's biggest learning from Covid pandemic; says we must be self-reliant

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday while interacting with Sarpanchs from across nation via video conferencing on occasion of National Panchayati Raj Diwas said that biggest learning from  Coronavirus pandemic is that it has taught that "we have to become self-reliant"

He emphasised, "We have been taught a lesson to t be dependent on outside, to be self-reliant. We've been aware of this for a long time in India, but we've been reminded w, to be self-sufficient. Panchayats have a big role in this, stronger y are, stronger democracy will be."

He also said that broadband has reached more than 1.25 lakh panchayats. "t only that, number of common service centres in vills is also crossing three lakh," he added, alerting vast rural populations of progress in techlogy over last several years..

Prime Minister also launched two apps for use of Panchayats

'We will start with six states'

"We have launched an app called e-gram Swaraj that helps in digitisation of gram panchayats. This will be single platform for all digital needs of gram panchayats. This app will even help in settling of land and property disputes. Panchayats and villrs can also avail loans from banks through app. Currently, we will start with six states including UP, MP, Uttarakhand and Maharashtra and n gradually rolled out to or states as well," PM Modi said.

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WATCH his full address here:

India is approaching last week of extended Coronavirus lockdown, which by end would have amounted to almost 40 days. country has thus far identified just over 23,000 total cases, with 718 deaths so far, and just under 4800 recoveries.

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