Worst affected by pandemic are poor and labourers, says PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that worst affected due to the pandemic are poor and the labourers and added that their pain can't be expressed in worlds.

Addressing the nation through his monthly radio programme Maan Ki Baat, Modi said there is no section in our country that is unaffected by the difficulties caused by the disease. However, the worst affected are the poor and the labourers. Their pain, their agony, and their ordeal can't be expressed in words, he said.

''When we look at other countries, we realise how big is the achievement of Indians. Our population is many times more than other countries, challenges are different still COVID-19 didn't spread so rapidly as in other countries and the fatality rate is also notably lower,'' he said. 

Modi said that innovation at the moment of crisis touched his heart and lauded the efforts of small scale traders and startups for devising new ways to fight the coronavirus. 

A major chunk of the economy is active now. There should be no laxity in maintaining six feet distance, wearing masks and staying indoors as much as possible, he said. 

''A few days ago, the number of Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries crossed over 1 cr. If the poor had to pay for their treatments in the hospital, if they weren't treated for free then they had to spend somewhat around Rs 14,000 cr. Ayushman Bharat has saved money of poor,'' Modi said.

While the eastern part of India is facing natural calamity caused by the cyclone, many parts of the country are under locus attack. These attacks have reminded us how much damage this small insect can cause, he noted. 

Modi said that adopting new innovations, he was confident India will be able to deal with this crisis in the agriculture sector.