Billion vaccine milestone ups economic optimism, says PM

URGES PEOPLE TO FOLLOW COVID-19 PROTOCOLS DURING FESTIVALS

India’s milestone of administering a billion Covid-19 vaccines will boost optimism across various sectors of the country, including the economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a national address.

“This is not only a number, it reflects the country’s capacity and writes a new chapter in history. Experts and agencies are optimistic about India’s economy. Now not only are record investments coming to Indian companies, employment opportunities are being created for the youth,” Modi said in a televised speech yesterday.

His speech came a day after India reported having crossed the milestone, more than nine months after the country started its vaccination programme. About 31% of the adult population has been fully vaccinated, while more than three-fourth have had one dose.

Long way to go

Still, with India’s size and population of nearly 1.4 billion, the country’s vaccine drive has some distance to cover.

The PM warned caution and asked people to follow social distancing and masking protocols as the country heads into the Hindu festival season over the next few weeks. Modi urged people to keep following Covid protocols and said: “No matter how good the armour is, no matter how modern the armour is, even if armour guarantees complete protection, weapons are not thrown while the battle is on. I request that we have to celebrate our festivals with the utmost care. I appeal to all those who have not taken the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine to give utmost priority to getting vaccinated. Those who are vaccinated should encourage others.”

The Prime Minister also reiterated his clarion call of “Vocal For Local” and appealed to people to buy ‘Made in India’ products during the festival season.

I appeal to all those who have not taken the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine to give utmost priority to getting vaccinated.”

“Emphasis should be given to buying made in India products. This will be possible only with the efforts of everyone. We have to put — buying things made by Indians, being Vocal For Local — into practice,” he stated.

Experts as well as national and international agencies are very positive about India’s economy with Indian companies not only getting record investments but employment generation also taking place, Modi said.

Along with record investment in start-ups, record startup unicorns are also being developed, he said.

Taking a dig at critics of his government, the prime minister recalled that some people had asked how the ‘taali-thaali’ initiative and lighting of ‘diyas’ at the start of the pandemic would help eradicate the virus. The initiatives, he stressed, were a reflection of people’s participation and unity.

Narendra Modi | Prime minister