'Jaan bhi aur Jahan bhi': PM Modi shares new mantra with chief ministers on COVID-19 fight

As chorus for extension of lockdown grew louder, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined motto of government earlier was ‘Jaan Hai Toh Jahan Hai’ but w is ‘Jaan Bhi Aur Jahan Bhi’. He interacted with Chief Ministers of all states on Saturday.  meeting, held via video conference, is key for decision on extension of  21-day lockdown ending on April 14. 

Talking about lockdown, PM Modi said, "When I had addressed nation I had said that to save life of every citizen, lockdown and social distancing are very important. Most of people understood this and stayed at home." He said that with public cooperation, fight against Coronavirus will be stronger.

PM Modi n rephrased his mantra to — "Jaan Bhi aur Jahan Bhi" — which he said is a future where people care about following ir duties and abide by directions of government which will be important for India's prosperous and healthy future. 

READ | PM Modi Interacts With All States' CMs To Decide On Extension Of Nationwide Covid Lockdown

'Next three-four weeks will be critical' 

PM stressed that next three-four weeks will be critical to determine impact of steps taken till w to curb spread of virus. He suggested specific measures for agriculture and allied sector including modification of APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) laws to facilitate sale of farm produce. Such steps will help farmers sell products at ir doorstep, PM said.

According to a government statement, PM categorically assured that India has adequate supplies of essential medicines and said that measures are being taken to ensure availability of protective gear and critical equipment for all front-line workers. He also gave a stern mess against black marketing and hoarding.

Condemning and expressing distress at instances of attacks on doctors and medical staff, and at incidents of misbehavior with students from rth-East and Kashmir, Prime Minister underlined that such cases need to be dealt with firmly. He also spoke about need to curb Lockdown violations and ensure that social distancing is followed. 

READ | Kejriwal Confirms Lockdown Extension, Says 'PM Has Taken Correct Decision To Extend'

Popularise Aarogya Setu app

PM Modi also spoke about popularizing Aarogya Setu app to ensure downloads in greater numbers. He referred to how South Korea and Singapore got success in contact tracing. Based on those experiences, India has made its own effort through app which will be an essential tool in India’s fight against pandemic, he said. He also referred to possibility of app being an e-pass which could subsequently facilitate travel from one place to ar.

Talking about ecomic challenges, Prime Minister said that crisis is an opportunity to become self-reliant and turn nation into an ecomic powerhouse.

READ | Coronavirus LIVE Updates: PM Modi Interacts With All CMs On Lockdown, Total Cases At 7447

Coronavirus cases go up

India till Saturday reported 1035 new cases in last 24 hours, sharpest ever increase in cases and 40 deaths, bringing number of confirmed cases to 7447. Over 642 patients have recovered and been discharged.

READ | MHA Writes To Bengal Chief Secy, DGP On Alleged Lockdown Violations; Seeks Action