As many as 80 crore Indians got free ration during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today.
These include five crore people from Madhya Pradesh, PM Modi said, during a video interaction with Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana beneficiaries from the state.
Describing the coronavirus pandemic as the biggest disaster faced by humanity in the last 100 years, PM Modi also said people should continue to wear masks, sanitise hands and maintain social distancing to check the spread of the virus.
"India gave the first priority to the poor in its strategy to combat the crisis due to coronavirus. Be it Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana or Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana, we thought about food and employment of the poor from day one itself," he said.
Stressing his government's 'vocal for local' initiative, PM Modi said Indians should buy handicraft items during the festival season to encourage those working in this sector.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
PM Modi Gets Kuwait's Highest Honour 'The Order Of Mubarak Al Kabeer' PM Modi Gets Top Honour In Kuwait, Discusses Strategic Partnership With Top Leadership "Celebrates Spirit Of Football": PM Modi Attends Arabian Gulf Cup In Kuwait Is Safe Car Enough? Volvo Crash That Killed CEO, Family Sparks Big Question "Nothing Short Of Nightmare": Woman Misses Life Event, Slams Air India Pics: Rahul Gandhi's Family Lunch At Iconic Delhi Restaurant Public Sector Hydropower Company Hiring For 118 Posts, Check Details Delhi's Air Quality Turns 'Severe' Despite GRAP-4 Restrictions PM Modi Meets Yoga Practitioner, Other Influencers In Kuwait Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.