Source: PIB and Economic Times
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 the Prime Minister asked the people of the country to observe the Janatha Curfew voluntarily
What is Janatha Curfew?
- The Prime Minister urged citizens to follow the concept of ‘Janta Curfew’ on 22 March 2020 from 7 AM to 9 PM, wherein no one apart from those involved with essential services is supposed to venture out of the home.
- The prime minister said that “During this Janatha curfew, we shall neither leave our homes, nor get onto the streets or roam about our localities. Only those associated with emergency and essential services will leave home”.
- He also mentioned that “This Janata Curfew will in a way be a litmus test for us. This is also the time to see how prepared India is to fight off a global pandemic like the coronavirus.”
- The prime minister also called on the country to express its gratitude to those working to keep the country going, such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, municipal staff and airport workers by going out on their balconies or standing at their doors and windows at 5 pm on March 22 and clapping, banging on their plates or ringing bells.
Precautions
The economic taskforce
Keeping in mind the economic challenges arising from the coronavirus, the government has decided to set up a Covid-19 Economic Response Taskforce
- It will be headed by Union Finance Minister
- The taskforce will take decisions in the near future, based on regular interactions and feedback from all stakeholders, and analysis of all situations and dimensions.
- This task force will also ensure that all steps taken to reduce the economic difficulties are effectively implemented
