During his interaction with Chief Ministers to strategize on the current crisis of surging COVID-19 situation, PM Modi noted that the ongoing vaccination drive that administration appeared lax in many states, with daily COVID-19 cases reaching new highs.
He urged chief ministers to step up their efforts in the coming weeks to combat the virus’s spread on a “war footing,” and he proposed renaming the night curfew imposed in many areas “corona curfew” to raise public awareness about the pandemic.
He also advocated for a vaccine festival to be held between April 11 and 14 in order to inoculate as many eligible beneficiaries as possible. He noted that April 11 is the birth anniversary of noted social reformer Jyotirao Phule.
Modi vehemently defended the current vaccination eligibility criteria, despite calls from some states ruled by opposition parties to expand access to all adults over the age of 18.
India’s criteria are no different from those of the world’s most prosperous countries, and vaccination will have to take precedence, according to Modi. Those over the age of 45 are currently eligible to receive the vaccine.
With the debate taking on political overtones in some cases, Modi remarked wryly that those engaging in politics over the issue may do so, but he will not, and he urged chief ministers to work with the Centre to defeat the pandemic. Modi stated that he has been subjected to a variety of statements but has not weighed in on the matter.
Modi directed Chief Ministers to focus on micro-containment zones to combat the disease, and he reiterated his call to work on the mantra of test, track, and treat, in addition to pushing COVID-appropriate behaviour and COVID-management to bring the peak down.
He stated that the country had reduced its active cases to 1.25 lakh from 10 lakhs previously using a similar approach, and he expressed confidence that the country will overcome the crisis because it now has better resources, more experience, and vaccines.
He demanded that 30 people be contacted within 72 hours of someone testing positive for the virus, and he asked states not to be concerned about positive tests.
With daily coronavirus cases exceeding the peak seen during the first wave last year, Modi stated that the situation is becoming more concerning in some states, with people becoming much more casual in their behavior and administration appearing lax in many states. He admitted that the sudden surge had caused problems.
“The governance system needs to be improved. I understand that the system may be tired and lax as a result of the one-year battle, but we must tighten it for 2-3 weeks and strengthen governance… To halt the spread of the virus, a warlike approach is required “He stated. Modi stated that coronavirus cases have surpassed the peak seen during the first wave and are increasing, and that states such as Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat are now reporting more cases than the previous year.
“Other states are also heading in that direction. This is cause for concern “He stated. Our efforts should be directed toward inoculating as many eligible people as possible during the vaccination festival, which runs from April 11 to 14, he said, urging young people to assist those over the age of 45 in receiving the vaccine.
Modi also suggests holding all-party meetings in states with governors, celebrities, and other notable people to encourage COVID-compliant behaviour. This will also keep the drive from becoming politicized.
