Prime Minister Modi’s video conference with the Chief Ministers of all states lasted for nearly six hours.
The following are the major takeaways from PM’s speech.
Hints at fourth lockdown: “I am of the firm view that the measures needed in the first phase of lockdown were not needed during the 2nd phase and similarly the measures needed in the 3rd Phase are not needed in the fourth,” PM said.
Seeks blueprint from states by May 15: “I request you all to share with me by May 15, a broad strategy on how each one of you would want to deal with lockdown regime in your particular states. I want states to make a blueprint on how to deal with various nuances during & after gradual easing of lockdown,” says Prime Minister.
Brace for non Covid-19 diseases in monsoon: “With the onset of Monsoon, there will be proliferation of many non-COVID19 diseases, for which we must prepare and strengthen our medical and health systems,” Modi added.
Social distancing remains biggest weapon: PM said that even as we look at the gradual withdrawal of the lockdown, we should constantly remember that till we do not find a vaccine or a solution, the biggest weapon with us to the fight the virus is social distancing.”
Only limited trains will run: Referring to the resumption of train services, Prime Minister Modi said, this is needed to rev up the economic activity, but said that all the routes will not be resumed. Prime Minister said only a limited number of trains would ply.
Prime Minister said he continues to feel optimistic, when not even a single state sounded despondent & that this collective determination will make India win in its fight against Covid-19. PM said that post-COVID era also brings opportunities that India must leverage.
He also said that the world has fundamentally changed post Covid-19. Now the World will be Pre-Corona, Post-Corona just like in the case of the World Wars. And this would entail significant changes in how we function.
The 54-day nationwide lockdown since March 25 to contain the spread of coronavirus is scheduled to end on May 17.
What the states said:
Delhi: According to a Delhi government official, during the interaction, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said barring containment zones, economic activities should be allowed to resume in the national capital.
Punjab: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh pitched for the extension of the coronavirus lockdown, but demanded a carefully crafted exit strategy providing fiscal support to states.
In view of the increasing number of coronavirus cases, continuation of the lockdown was needed, Singh said, adding the decision on designating red, orange/yellow and green zones should be left to the states, which are more cognizant of the ground realities. The exit strategy should consider and focus on fiscal and economic empowerment of the states, which are responsible for real action directly impinging upon the livelihood and social health of the common man, the Punjab chief minister said.
Tamil Nadu: In the conference, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami came out against the resumption of flight and passenger train services till May 31, citing increasing cases of coronavirus.
Maharashtra: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray urged Modi to show "specific and concrete direction" on the lockdown, a state government official said.
West Bengal: Reacting to the Centre's decision to resume a limited number of passenger services from Tuesday after an almost a 50-day hiatus, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on one hand, it wants strict enforcement of the lockdown, on the other, it is resuming train services.
According to officials, Modi said it was essential to make best efforts to ensure that people stay where they were during the lockdown, however, in times like these people wish to go home and therefore, a change in decision had to be made.
Also Read: Maharashtra, Punjab, Telangana Favour Lockdown Extension In PM-CMs Meet; Bengal Seeks Fiscal Support