PM Modi said in the meeting with Chief Ministers – ‘Let’s fight the West Asia crisis by becoming ‘Team India’

New Delhi, 27 March. In view of the ongoing crisis in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an important meeting through video conferencing with the Chief Ministers of all the states and Lieutenant Governors of the Union Territories on Friday evening. In this meeting, while reviewing the current situation, a comprehensive discussion was held regarding the country’s preparedness, supply chain, energy security and protecting the interests of the citizens.

There will be no lockdown in the country due to the current crisis

Giving a clear message to the Chief Ministers of the states in the meeting, PM Modi said, “We have to work like ‘Team India’.” According to sources, PM Modi also said in the meeting that there will be no lockdown in the country due to the current crisis.

Center-State coordination described as the biggest strength to deal with the challenge

PM Modi appreciated the suggestions given by all the Chief Ministers and said that these inputs will help in facing the changing situation effectively. He described vigilance, preparation and better coordination between the Center and the State as the biggest strength to deal with this challenge.

India has faced global crises before too

The Prime Minister said that India has faced global crises before also. Giving the example of the Covid-19 pandemic, he said that at that time the Center and the states worked together as ‘Team India’ to minimize the impact on the supply chain, business and normal life. He said that this spirit of cooperation is the biggest strength even today.

PM Modi said that the situation is constantly changing, hence constant monitoring and flexibility in strategy is necessary. He said that since March 3, an inter-ministerial group has been reviewing the situation daily and taking decisions from time to time. The government’s priorities include economic stability, trade, energy security, safety of citizens and strengthening of industries.

Constant communication and coordination is necessary between the Center and the states.

The Prime Minister said that effective implementation of policies happens at the state level, hence constant communication and coordination between the Center and the states is necessary. He instructed the states to maintain the supply chain smoothly and take strict action against hoarding and profiteering. He stressed on activating control rooms at the state and district levels, keeping the administration alert and ensuring availability of essential commodities. Emphasizing the need for advance planning in the agriculture sector, he said that the storage and distribution of fertilizers should be monitored, so that farmers do not face any problem in the coming Kharif season.

Warning given to those spreading rumors and wrong information

In this sequence, PM Modi warned that in times like this, rumors and misinformation spread rapidly, which can create an atmosphere of panic. He said that it is very important to provide correct and reliable information to the public on time. Also advised to be cautious of online fraud and fake agents.

Border and coastal states asked to be especially alert

The Prime Minister asked the border and coastal states to be especially alert, so that any potential threats related to shipping, supply of essential goods and maritime activities can be dealt with. He asked the states whose citizens are in West Asia to start helplines, appoint nodal officers and develop support systems at the district level, so that the affected families can get timely information and help.

PM stressed on expansion of biofuel, solar energy, Gobardhan Yojana, electric mobility and piped natural gas as part of long-term preparations. Also expressed the need for cooperation of states to increase domestic production of oil and natural gas.

In the meeting, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that the government is actively working to deal with this crisis under the leadership of the Prime Minister. He said that steps like ensuring availability of LPG and reducing excise duty on petrol and diesel have been taken.

The Chief Ministers attending the meeting expressed confidence that there is adequate availability of petrol, diesel and LPG in the country and the supply system is under constant monitoring. He welcomed the decision of reduction in excise duty on fuel and said that it will provide relief to the common people.

Chief Ministers praised the Center for increasing the allocation of commercial LPG.

The Chief Ministers also appreciated that the Central Government has increased the allocation of commercial LPG to 70 percent of the pre-crisis level, which was earlier 50 percent. He reiterated his commitment to work closely with the Centre. In the end, the Prime Minister said that this challenge is a shared responsibility and together as ‘Team India’ the country will successfully come out of this situation.