Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to permit economic activities within the state to continue during the lockdown period if it is extended.
Baghel also emphasized on the need to continue the restriction on inter-state road, air and rail transport, in view of the possibility of further spreading of the contagious coronavirus disease.
The CM made the suggestions during a video conference of the Prime Minister with the chief ministers of all the states to review the status of the coronavirus infection in different parts of the country.
The chief minister also urged the Prime Minister that the number of PPE kits should be increased and testing facilities should also be expanded.
Baghel also suggested that central university examinations should be postponed or conducted online and added that lack of clear instructions in the guidelines set by the Centre for the purchase of test kits is creating confusion.
Clear guidelines are required in this regard, the CM suggested.
He said that the MSME sector in the state is constantly demanding economic package and due to the extended period of lockdown, the existence of the sector, which provides maximum employment to the people, is in danger.
The CM informed the Prime Minister that of the 18 people in the state, who were detected with the coronavirus infection, 10 have recovered until now and the condition of the remaining eight patients is stable.
All seven people linked to Tablighi Jamaat who were found infected with virus, have been admitted to AIIMS Raipur, their condition is also stable. And no Covid-19 deaths in the state have been recorded until now, Baghel said.
In view of the increasing number of people getting infected with the deadly virus, the chief minister suggested that the lockdown and the restrictions on inter-state road, rail and air travel should continue.
On the occasion, state health minister TS Singhdeo, home minister Tamradhwaj Sahu, state additional chief secretary Subrata Sahu, health secretary Niharika Barik Singh, food secretary Kamalpreet Singh were also present.