Economic cost of lockdown is nothing compared to people's lives: PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi asserted that saving human lives is more important than acknowledging its economic consequences. However, to make the impact bearable, Modi urged all to feed the hungry, look after the ailing and old and appealed to employers against pay cuts or layoffs during this "difficult time".

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the nationwide lockdown to combat coronavirus pandemic may have affected the country's economy but the cost is worth paying in order to save the lives of the citizens.

"It is evident from the experience of the past few days that we have chosen the right path. Our country has greatly benefited from social distancing and lockdown. From economy's point of view, it undoubtedly looks costly right now, but compared to the lives of Indian citizens, it is nothing," the Prime Minister said in his address to the nation today.

Modi said that the path that India has taken within its limited resources has become a topic of discussion in the entire world today.

The Prime Minister also announced the extension of lockdown till May 3 amid surging coronavirus cases in the country.

PM also urged employers not to resort to layoffs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also urged companies not to resort to layoffs of employees amid the lockdown imposed to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

He concluded his address to the nation, which went on predictable lines, with '7 Mantras' as India is manoeuvering a difficult phase where it has to choose between life and livelihood.

The 7 Mantras included his appeal to the employers to have compassion at this time of crisis and not to resort to layoffs of their employees.

(ANI and IANS Report)