New Delhi , April 27 : As India enters the final week of nationwide lockdown, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video conference with the chief ministers today to discuss the road ahead. This was the fourth such meeting between PM Narendra Modi and state chief minister since the outbreak emerged.
The total number of coronavirus cases has climbed to 27,892 today, according to ministry of health and welfare. The chief ministers from Meghalaya, Mizoram, Puducherry, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Gujarat and Haryana spoke about the further strategies to fight against deadly coronavirus which killed nearly 900 people in the country.
From extending the lockdown to starting economic activities in the states, here are the key issues that have been discussed in the meeting.
Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma said that the state will continue with lockdown beyond May 3 with restrictions on inter-state and inter-district movement. However, essential services and travel due to medical emergency will be allowed, he said.
Gujarat chief minister Rupani said that the Centre should take decision on extending lockdown in the interest of the country. He said the state will abide with the Centre’s decision on the issue.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik urged the Centre to initiate measures to kickstart the economy. He suggested that Niti Ayog should come up with transformative ideas to keep the economy moving in this grim situation. Even if the national lockdown continues, economic activities within the states should be allowed.
Himachal Pradesh CM said, “We are now in a position to start economic activities; however, lockdown should continue considering the issue with other states as well.”
Delhi witnessed a record surge in coronavirus cases on Sunday. As many as 293 people tested positive for COVID-19 infection, taking the total number of cases in the state to 2,918. Several doctors and healthcare workers have diagnosed with COVID-19 disease in the national capital.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal indicated that ending the lockdown will not be easy.
One of key demands likely to be made by the state chief minister during the meeting is arrangement of special trains to transport migrant workers to their home states.
Considering the rapid increase in coronavirus cases in the state, Mumbai and Pune are likely to increase the lockdown till May 18, Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope told Mint.
The Central government have relaxed several measures during the lockdown. The norms were eased in the least affected areas to start economic activities.
PM Modi is also likely to address the nation for the fourth time by the end of this week.
