New Delhi, June 12: Emphasizing the need for import-substitution, PM Modi on Thursday said that India should convert the COVID-19 crisis into a turning point towards becoming a self-reliant nation. He was delivering the inaugural address of the 95th annual plenary session of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) via video conferencing.

 

"Apart from Covid-19, India is also facing challenges from other areas such as locust swarms invasion, gas well explosion in Assam's Tinsukia, Cyclone Amphan and minor tremors across India. Coronavirus would be turning point as India becomes self-reliant due to this crisis. Aatamnirbhar lessons start at home. Time has come for India to become self-reliant", he said.

 

 

Reiterating his point of being Vocal for Local, he said, "It is high time India becomes vocal for local. Every citizen of this country has resolved to turn this crisis into an opportunity. We have to make this a major turning point for India's growth story. What is that turning point? A self-reliant India. We have to turn COVID-19 crisis into opportunity for creating Atmanirbhar Bharat".

 

Stressing on the industries and manuacturing sector, the Prime Minister said Industries will have think how they will turn Indian into a net exporter of products. "At this time we've to take Indian economy out of 'command and control' and take it towards 'plug and play'. This isn't the time for conservative approach. It's time for bold decisions and bold investments. It's time to prepare a globally competitive domestic supply chain. Banking services have even reached the 'have nots' section of the society", he said .

Further noting the farmers situation amid Coronavirus, he said, "Indian farmers have got their true freedom due the recent reforms. They can go to any part of the country to sell their produce. Decades ago Swami Vivekananda wrote, 'The simplest method to be worked upon at present is to induce Indians to use their own produce and get markets for Indian artware in other countries'. This path shown by Swami Vivekananda is inspiration for India in post-COVID world. DBT, JAM have helped millions of beneficiaries. Recent decisions taken by Centre for farmers have freed agriculture economy from years of slavery".

 

"People-centric, people-driven and planet-friendly development have become part of our governance", he signed off. India resumed its services from June 1, saving the economy in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic situation. While the nation at large is getting back to its daily chores, some states like Maharashtra, Delhi are still busy settling the norms to curb the spread.