Modi, CMs on same page on lockdown extension for 2 more weeks with leeway for migrants, farm workers, daily wagers
After a marathon video conference that lasted more than four hours, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chief Ministers on Saturday agreed to extend lockdown in the country for two more weeks beyond April 14 with a possible relaxation for agriculture, migrant and daily wagers.
Maharashtra and West Bengal Chief Ministers separately announced extension of lockdown in their States till April 30. Odisha and Punjab Chief Ministers have already announced the continuation of lockdown in their respective States.
The Prime Minister, who held the video conference with the Chief Ministers to firm up a decision on extending lockdown to contain any surge in the coronavirus cases, agreed with them that it was important to “balance lives with the livelihood”.
After the video conference, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced his decision to extend the lockdown in the State till April 30. “Maharashtra will continue to be locked down till April 30. The State will show the way to the country even in these tough times,” he said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also said the State would extend the lockdown till the end of the month and added that educational institutions will remain shut in the State till June 10. “The PM has officially decided to extend lockdown till April 30, we will not differ,” she said. “We will also extend it till April 30 and review closer to that date.”
Both Odisha and Punjab Governments have already extended the lockdown in their States till the end of the month.
Modi discussed with the Chief Ministers exit-plan which sources said would be “gradual” or in a phased-manner. With the harvest season ahead, the agriculturists along with the daily wagers and migrant workers may be given some leeway.
Modi suggested specific measures for agriculture and allied sector, including modification in Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) laws, to facilitate sale of farm produce. Fisheries zone will also be given relaxation during the extension of lockdown after April 14.
The Prime Minister gave a new mantra of “Jaan bhi, jahan bhi” by improvising the popular saying “ Jaan hain to jahan hain.”
Modi said “next two or three weeks are crucial” towards the effective containment of the virus which in last 24 hours has registered a sharp rise of 1,035 cases and 40 deaths in the country.
The Prime Minister said the efforts made by the Centre and the States have definitely helped reduce the impact of Covid-19 but since the situation is rapidly evolving, a constant vigil is of paramount importance. “ Team work is key to facing the challenge”, he said.
It is expected that the Prime Minister may address the nation in a day or two and detail his views on the extension of the lockdown.
While speaking to Chief Ministers, Modi pointed to the importance of Arogya Setu App saying it is essential tool in country’s fight against Covid-19 and can subsequently act as e-pass to facilitate travel.
While focusing on social distancing which remains the main weapon to battle out the coronavirus, the Prime Minister condemned attacks on health professionals and incidents of misbehaviour with students from North-East and Kashmir.
Giving a strong warning against black-marketing and hoarding, he assured the CMs that the country has enough supplies of essential medicines. He talked about strengthening healthcare infrastructure and reaching out to patients through tele-medicines.
This was the third interaction of the Prime Minister with the Chief Ministers after those held on April 2 and March 20.
The Prime Minister was of opinion that the crisis is an opportunity to become self-reliant and turn the country into a “powerhouse”.
All the CMs sought the Prime Minister to extend the lockdown saying that an early ending of it could impact the gains made in last three-weeks in containing the spread of coronavirus in the country.
The interaction was also attended by Union Home, Defence and Health Ministers and Principal Secretary and Cabinet Secretary.
In his discussion with the PM, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal favoured extension of the lockdown till April 30, saying “if the lockdown is eased, all kinds of transport, either rail or road, should not be allowed.”
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot also argued for extending the lockdown for one fortnight and urged the Centre to provide special concessions for industry and agriculture sectors and faster supply of rapid testing kits. They also said that proper strategies should be made to help farmers in harvesting Rabi crops.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and UP CM Yogi Adityanath have also asked PM Modi for an extension of the lockdown period.
Goa CM Pramod Sawant said he also suggested that the lockdown should be extended but economic activities should continue. “From Monday, OPDs of private and Government hospitals will begin to function. While from today, fisheries activities have started in the State,” he said.