Give info on public issues: Modi to RJs

New Delhi, March 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged radio jockeys to provide feedback on the difficulties and challenges faced by people due to the coronavirus outbreak to help the government resolve their problems swiftly.

Interacting with a group of radio jockeys via video, he also urged them to spread information about the views of experts and steps taken by the government to tackle the situation.

Underlining the importance of empathy, the prime minster said it is important to tell the stories of misbehaviour with doctors, health care workers and airline staff due to societal fears of them being infected by the virus so that such challenges are overcome.

Mr Modi said the government has announced a number of measures to assist the poor and underprivileged in these difficult times.

It is important that information about these announcements reaches the intended beneficiaries swiftly and in a timely manner, he said.

The Prime Minister said as mass communicators, radio jockeys can play a proactive role in informing their listeners about the announcements, along with educating them about social distancing and the importance of self-quarantine.

He also stressed on the importance of educating the public about the dedication of police personnel who are working continuously to assist people.

The Prime Minister said people should cooperate with the police, adding that while police should avoid use of strong arm tactics, it is also necessary to enforce discipline.

He observed that the public broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) has a particularly important role to play in stopping the flow of rumours.

The Prime Minister also requested the radio jockeys to also work towards checking the spread of rumours.