A day after he announced countrywide lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said appealed to the citizens to extend help to nine families during the 21-day lockdown period if they can as the country battles the outbreak of coronavirus.
"Whoever has the capability, take the pledge to take care of 9 families for 21 days. It will be a true 'Navratri'. Due to the lockdown, animals are also facing trouble. I appeal to the people to take care of the animals around them," said Prime Minister Modi.
The Prime Minister's statement didn't go down so well with netizens and they have been expressing their views in the way they know best: by posting about it on social media.
One user said, "No other country is appealing to private charity to solve a national public health disaster. Government needs to step in a big way. How does this square with stay inside your home orders during the lockdown. What kind of leadership is this? Confusing." While other user said, "Sounds like a good idea. Maybe it could be more organised. Like the privileged people who earn more can contribute regular funds towards a central body like govt that can provide essential services and take care of vulnerable. We can probably call it umm I don't know taxes?"
Here's what Twitterati had to say:
Prime Minister Modi was interacting with the people of his Lok Sabha constituency -- Varanasi -- via video conference on Wednesday.
He said that the effort was to win the battle against coronavirus in 21 days and emphasised that social distancing is the only way to prevent the spread of disease at present.
Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday announced a 21-day lockdown in the entire country to deal with the spread of coronavirus, saying that "social distancing" is the only option to deal with the disease, which spreads rapidly. In a televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Modi said that it is vital to break the chain of the disease and experts have said that at least 21 days are needed for it.
(Inputs from Agencies)
