Modi's Meet With CMs: Odisha, Goa, Meghalaya Moot For Lockdown Extension Beyond May 3; Others Worried Over Faltering Economy

This was the fourth such meeting between PM Narendra Modi and state chief ministers since the Coronavirus outbreak emerged. The total number of Coronavirus cases has escalated to 27,892 today, according to the ministry of health and welfare

(PTI Photo/Kamal Singh)

New Delhi:  While many states expressed their concerns for the revival of an already faltering economy, Odisha, Goa and Meghalaya demanded for an extension in the lockdown, in the meeting of Chief Ministers with Prime Minister Modi. Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy was later quoted by agencies as saying that most CMs told PM during interaction that lockdown should continue. 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. He further stated, however, some relaxations will be introduced in green zones and non-COVID-19 affected districts after the nationwide shutdown has been lifted. Odisha’s Naveen Patnaik had numerous suggestions and said the national lockdown should continue but important activities should be allowed. The CM added public gatherings, religious and educational institutions must be completely stopped and urged for economic activities within the states only. He also urged the Centre to re-look to initiate measures to kickstart the economy as “we work together to curb the disease.” Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the lockdown should be extended further with relaxation for economic activities within the state. Sawant, who also participated in the meeting, said that many other states had also sought an extension of the ongoing lockdown. The Chief Ministers of other stayed focussed on ways to handle the economic crisis that has cropped alongside the pandemic. Take a look at what other CMs had to say during the interaction. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that they are now in a position to start economic activities. He said the decision over the lockdown should be taken in consultation and consideration of other states. Thakur also spoke about how the state has reached out to financially aid the poor and needy. He said that the state is prepared to tackle the challenge. Mizoram’s Zoramthanga discussed how religious they are following lockdown and said they will continue to follow directives of the Centre. Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy sought intervention from the Centre for providing personal protective equipment (PPEs) and other medical equipment. He asked for financial aid and grants to fight Covid-19 and the start of industries post lockdown. Uttarakhand’s Trivendra Singh Rawat said business and trade activities should start in a phased manner with a focus on following all precautionary measures. He said governments should slowly come to ease people’s life by turning the situation to normal. Rawat further added that all development work in the state is already continuing, including MGNREGA. He sais economic revival is key to moving forward. Nitish Kumar, Bihar Chief Minister said the state has started door to door screening, similar to the polio campaign. Kumar said Rs 1000 each has been sent to poor migrant laborers stranded in other states. He said lockdown will continue till May 3 and will not dilute the guideline, and will enforce the same. Vijay Rupani Gujarat CM briefed PM Modi on the Covid-19 situation in his state and said that till April 17 over 22,000 tests have been done and in the last 10 days another 28,000 tests done. The Gujarat CM stated in hotspots areas of the state and after Nizamuddin incident Surat, Vadodara, and Ahmadabad, they have increased surveillance and started treatment of affected people. The minister informed 85% of people, who died of Covid-19 in Gujarat were affected by one or more other diseases. Business and economic activities in rural areas have already started in rural areas and over 700 construction projects are ongoing with 30,000 plus laborers involved, he added. He further said the Centre should decide in the interest of the country and Gujarat will respect all decisions taken by the central government. Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar said containment zones are left and in the rest of the areas, we have started industries and trade activities, with over 4 lakh people involved. The minister said the state has commenced farming activities by following all protocols and social distance is maintained. The online classes have begun for higher classes. The inter-district and inter-state movement will remain closed. The CM said will follow any decision taken by the government of India for lockdown. While all chief ministers were present at the meeting, the fourth between PM Modi and the CMs on the coronavirus pandemic since March 20, nine of them got to speak due to time restraints. These were chief ministers of Meghalaya, Mizoram, Puducherry, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Gujarat and Haryana. Other chief ministers attended the virtual meeting and were asked to send their submissions in writing. Also Watch: PM Modi remains close guarded on lockdown extension in meeting with CMs India is now in the final week of nationwide lockdown and at this crucial juncture, 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 ministers since the Coronavirus outbreak emerged. The total number of Coronavirus cases has escalated to 27,892 today, according to the ministry of health and welfare. The interaction was organized in order to discuss further strategies for the prevention of Coronavirus infection and also to determine the ways to ease the lockdown across the country.