New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday appealed to people to minimise the use of fuel and other imported resources, urging citizens to rely more on public transport and avoid unnecessary spending on imported goods such as gold and edible oil.
Speaking at an event in Vadodara, the Prime Minister said the country would overcome the current global crisis just as it had collectively dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic.
PM asks people to cut petrol and diesel use
Modi urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption wherever possible and encouraged greater use of metro services, electric buses and public transport systems.
“Wherever possible, reduce the use of petrol and diesel and use metro, electric buses and public transport,” he said.
The Prime Minister also appealed to Indians living abroad to promote tourism in India by bringing at least five foreign guests to visit the country.
Appeal to avoid gold purchases for now
Modi said India spends a huge amount of foreign exchange on gold imports and suggested that people postpone buying gold until the situation normalises.
“A large amount of the country’s money goes abroad on gold imports. Until conditions become normal, we should avoid buying gold,” he said.
PM calls for lower edible oil consumption
The Prime Minister also appealed to citizens to reduce edible oil consumption, noting that imports of cooking oil also place a heavy burden on India’s foreign exchange reserves.
He said lowering oil consumption would benefit both the country and public health.
Modi recalls Pokhran nuclear tests at Somnath event
Earlier, Modi attended a programme marking 75 years of the consecration ceremony at Somnath Temple.
During the event, he recalled India’s Pokhran nuclear tests conducted on May 11, 1998.
Modi said global powers had attempted to isolate India after the tests, but the country remained firm.
“India named the Pokhran nuclear tests ‘Operation Shakti’ because worship of Shakti along with Lord Shiva has always been part of our tradition,” he said while paying tribute at Somnath Temple.
