NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level virtual meeting with Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors on Friday to solidify India’s preparedness against the economic and logistical fallout of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Invoking the “Team India” spirit that guided the country through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister emphasized that the nation’s strength lies in seamless coordination between the Centre and States. He noted that an Inter-Ministerial Group has been conducting daily reviews since March 3 to protect energy security and trade stability.
Key Directives to State Administrations:
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Supply Chain & Markets: Ensure smooth flow of goods and take “strict measures” against hoarding and profiteering.
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Agriculture: Prioritize advance planning for the Kharif season, specifically monitoring the storage and distribution of fertilizers.
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Citizen Support: Activate helplines and appoint nodal officers in states with large diaspora populations in West Asia to assist affected families.
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Public Confidence: Combat misinformation and “fake agents” while ensuring the public of the adequate availability of essential commodities.
Relief Measures and State Feedback:
Chief Ministers expressed confidence in current stability, noting that petrol, diesel, and LPG stocks remain adequate. They specifically welcomed the Centre’s decision to reduce fuel excise duties and increase the commercial LPG allocation to 70% of pre-crisis levels (up from 50%).
The Prime Minister concluded by urging a parallel focus on long-term energy independence, calling for accelerated efforts in biofuels, solar energy, and the GOBARdhan initiative to mitigate future global disruptions.
