India extends free food for 800 million people till November
The measure will cost his government 900 billion Indian rupees (about $11.9 billion), he said in a nation-wide televised address, WAM reports.
With the onset of monsoon, «we are entering the season of increased cases of cough, cold and fever,» Modi cautioned. «I, therefore, beseech all of you to take special care of yourselves.»
The Prime Minister said «timely imposition of lockdown and other decisions have saved hundreds of thousands of lives. But since Unlock-1, there is increasing negligence in personal and social behaviour. Earlier, we were very careful with respect to wearing of masks, social distancing and washing of hands for 20 seconds. But today, when we need to be more careful, increasing negligence is a cause of worry.»
Modi promised that «while taking all the precautions, we will further expand economic activities. We will work ceaselessly for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-sufficient India). We will be vocal for local.»
Modi’s announcements came on a day when 13,099 COVID-19 patients were cured, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare here. India’s total COVID-19 count to-date is 566,840, of which 215,125 are active cases. There have been 16,893 deaths while 334,822 patients have been cured so far, the Ministry said.