PM Asks States to Function as “Team India” Shouldering Collective Responsibility to Overcome Energy Crisis
Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Mar 27: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called upon the states to shoulder as collective response, as they did in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, to tackle the challenging energy supply situation posed by the West Asia conflict.
Reiterating that addressing the challenge was a shared responsibility, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that by working together as “Team India,” the nation would successfully overcome the current trying situation.
The remarks came during a virtual meeting of chief ministers and lieutenant governors chaired by the prime minister on Friday to review preparedness in the wake of the conflict and its potential impact on India. The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the valuable suggestions shared by all Chief Ministers, noting that these inputs would be instrumental in effectively managing the evolving situation. He emphasised the need for vigilance, preparedness, and coordinated action to address the challenges ahead.
The interaction was held virtually just as it used to be done during the Covid pandemic. This was the first time the prime minister convened a meeting with chief ministers on the West Asia conflict which began with Israel-US launching the attack on Iran on February 28. The chief ministers of the poll-bound states of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and the Union Territory of Puducherry were excluded from the meeting due to the enforcement of the moral code of conduct.
Union home minister Amit Shah and defence minister Rajnath Singh are among the key leaders attending PM Modi’s meeting. Also participating in the meeting are Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.
Referring to the ongoing situation in West Asia, PM Modi said India has prior experience in dealing with similar global disruptions. He stressed that the government’s priorities are to maintain economic and trade stability, ensure energy security, safeguard the interests of citizens, and strengthen industry and supply chains.
He also recalled the collective response during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the Centre and States worked together as “Team India” to mitigate the impact on supply chains, trade, and daily life. He underscored that the same spirit of cooperation and coordination remained India’s greatest strength in navigating the present circumstances.
PM Modi also highlighted that the situation remains dynamic, necessitating continuous monitoring and adaptive strategies. He said an Inter-Ministerial Group has been operational since March 3 reviewing the situation on a daily basis and taking timely decisions.
Emphasising the critical role of States, Narendra Modi noted that effective implementation of decisions takes place at the State level. He called for constant communication and coordination between the Centre and States, along with timely sharing of information and joint decision making, so that responses remain swift and well-aligned.
The Prime Minister urged States to ensure the smooth functioning of supply chains and to take strict measures against hoarding and profiteering. He highlighted the importance of activating control rooms at State and District levels and maintaining administrative alertness to prevent disruptions. He also stressed the need for advance planning in the agriculture sector, particularly in monitoring fertiliser storage and distribution, so that farmers do not face difficulties during the upcoming Kharif season.
He cautioned against the spread of misinformation and rumours, stating that the timely dissemination of accurate and credible information was essential to prevent panic. He also advised vigilance against online frauds and fake agents. The Prime Minister called for special attention in border and coastal States to address any emerging challenges related to shipping, essential supplies, and maritime operations.
He underscored the importance of maintaining public confidence, noting that assurance regarding the availability of essential commodities would help prevent unnecessary panic among citizens. He further suggested that States with citizens in West Asia should activate helplines, appoint nodal officers, and establish district-level support systems to assist affected families and ensure the timely flow of information.
He called for a parallel focus on immediate response and long-term preparedness. The Prime Minister urged States to accelerate efforts in promoting alternative energy sources such as biofuels, solar energy, the GOBARdhan initiative, electric mobility, as well as expanding piped natural gas connections. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing domestic exploration of oil and natural gas, with active cooperation from States.
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Chief Ministers appreciated the measures taken by the central government under the Prime Minister’s leadership to address the situation. They also praised his diplomatic outreach to various countries during the crisis to safeguard the well-being of Indian citizens abroad.
Meanwhile, despite the Centre claiming normal energy situation, the government-run Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), Delhi has asked students of undergraduate batches, masters first year, and PhD first year batches to leave the campus for the respective homes because of the fuel crisis. They students were told that their on-line classes would be conducted from April 6.
