PM Modi Pitches For Boosting Economic Activities In All-CMs Meet, Decision On Lockdown Extension Soon

In the fifth meeting with Chief Ministers of all states, PM Narendra Modi has talked about a range of important points that need to be focused on in the ongoing fight against Covid-19 in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with the Chief Ministers of various States via video conferencing, to discuss COVID-19 situation. (Image: PTI)

New Delhi: While speaking to Chief Ministers of different states for the fifth time since nationwide lockdown was imposed, PM Narendra Modi on Monday said that India has been successfully able to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic. "India will have to devise and implement a balanced strategy to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, and the biggest challenge for the country will be to ensure that the infection does not spread to villages," PM Modi told CMs on Monday during a video conference. Appreciating the role played by the states in the fight against the pandemic, PM Modi said the entire world is of the view that India has been able to successfully protect itself from the pandemic. The "problems" have increased wherever the social distancing norms were not followed or there has been laxity in implementation of the lockdown guidelines, the Prime Minister said. It was essential to make best efforts to ensure that people stay where they were during the lockdown, he said. However, in times like these people wish to go home and therefore, a change in decision had to be made, PM Modi added. India's Success In Handling Covid-19 He began on an encouraging note by saying, "There is a global recognition for India’s success in handling the Covid-19 pandemic and Govt of India appreciates the efforts made by all state governments in this regard. Let us stay the course as we move forward together." Protect Rural India Modi said the biggest challenge would be to ensure that the disease does not spread to villages across the country after relaxations provided by the government. "We also have to ensure that rural India remains free from this crisis," he said as laid emphasis on protecting rural areas that have no infections so far. Geographical Spread In India Talking about the spread of the pandemic in the country, the PM informed that, "We now have a reasonably clear indication as to the geographical spread of the pandemic in India, including the worst affected areas. Moreover, over the past few weeks, officials have understood operating procedures in a time such as this, right up to the district level." Boosting Economy PM Modi also pitched to boost economic activities in the country to avoid a financial crisis in the country. "Slowly but surely, economic activities have begun to pick up in several parts of the country. In the coming days, this process will further gather steam. We must realize that fight against Covid-19 has to be more focused now." 'Do Gaj Doori' "Going forward, the road ahead should be focused on reducing the spread & ensuring that all precautions are taken by people including social distancing norms by observing ‘Do Gaj Doori’," the Prime Minister said as he reiterated the need to adopt preventive measures as a way of life to battle the coronavirus crisis. Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao urged PM Modi not to allow resumption of train services to contain the spread of coronavirus. Even Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami requested PM Modi not to resume regular air services and train services to Chennai till May 31. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar pointed out that his government is in agreement of extending the lockdown and if the lockdown is removed, a large number people will come into the state, increasing the risk of Covid-19 transmission. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday asked for special economic package from the Centre during a video conference session with the Prime Minister. According to the sources, apart from the special economic package for Bengal, Banerjee sought central assistance to bring back all bengal migrant labourers stranded in various parts of the country. (With inputs from agencies) Also Watch: PM Modi's key points in meeting with CMs today