MPs should do their work when health concern stares at masses: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked BJP MPs on Tuesday to spread awareness about the coronavirus and made it clear that the ongoing Parliament's Budget Session will not be curtailed as lawmakers should be seen to be doing their work at a time when a health concern stares at the masses.

In his address at the BJP parliamentary party meeting, Modi heaped praise on doctors and other medical staff besides airline crews and others involved in tackling the coronavirus crisis, saying they have worked positively and tirelessly, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi told reporters.

Modi also lauded the media for spreading awareness of the virus.

He asked BJP MPs to spread awareness among the people in small groups and suggested that they should refrain from launching any mass agitation till April 15.

Amid speculation that the session may be curtailed in view of the health advisory against big gatherings, Modi made it clear that his government intended that the session should continue till April 3 as per schedule.

When a health concern is facing over 130 crore people of the country, MPs should be seen to be doing their work, including to deal with coronavirus, and Parliament should function, Modi said, according to sources. Joshi later ruled out any curtailment of the session.