Prime Minister interacts with Radio jockeys, asks them to highlight dedication of the police

“Today I had an extensive interaction with Radio Jockeys from different parts of India. Radio has a major role to play in spreading awareness on ways to fight COVID-19. I shared some ideas on how the radio can do so and also heard their innovative ideas,” tweeted the Prime Minister on Friday evening.

A summary of the interaction was posted in NarendraModi.in. The PM appeared to have made the following points:

· RJs are like members of families of millions of Indian households. People not only hear but also follow them. RJs have a great responsibility not just to disseminate and disabuse superstitions but also motivate people.

· PM requested RJs to provide feedback about the difficulties and challenges faced by the people so that the government can proactively resolve them.

· He exhorted the RJs to disseminate positive stories and case studies, particularly of those patients that have fully recovered from coronavirus infection, and constantly celebrate the contributions of the local heroes like police officers, doctors, nurses, ward boys etc.

· While it is important to tell the stories of misbehavior with doctors, health care workers and airline staff, he declared, it was also important to educate the public about the dedication of police personnel. He said that the public should cooperate with police, adding that while police should avoid using strong arm tactics, it is also necessary to enforce discipline.

· As mass communicators, RJs can play a proactive role in informing their listeners about measures taken by the Government, along with educating them about social distancing and the importance of self-quarantine.

The PM’s website reported that “In their response, the RJs called the Prime Minister as a part of the RJ fraternity since he has been hosting the widely successful Mann ki Baat on radio since 2014. Pointing out the unprecedented response to Prime Minister’s call of ‘Janta Curfew’ and his innovative idea of thanking the front line warriors, the RJs praised the leadership of the Prime Minister and said they would be happy to play the role of the voice of the nation in the battle against the pandemic.”