Need volunteers if we think beyond April 14 lockdown: Javadekar

Acknowledging that some states have already extended the shutdown beyond April 14 to contain coronavirus, Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday said: "These are only some ways we can win this battle. We realize that if we have to get ready for another 15 days, we need to be prepared. We will need volunteers".

Javadekar's remarks hinting at exteding the lockdown period beyond April 14 came during a Facebook live address to Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Pune.

He said, Prime Minister Modi is regularly reviewing the situation to decide the future course of action.

"When the Prime Minister warned us about this disease, we too didn't believe it. Let me be truthful to you," conceded Javadekar. But faced with a new reality, he reiterated the need to practise strict social distancing and personal hygiene.

He said PM Modi's initiative has resulted in 30 companies being readied in India to manufacture PPE (personal protection equipment) kits.

The Minister said the success of 'Janata curfew' was a proof of the PM's credibility