Modi's Meet With CMs: Economy, Lockdown & Social Distancing- What PM Said Today

After the meeting of PM Modi with CMs got over, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said the state wants the lockdown in the state to continue beyond May 3 to stem the spread of COVID-19.

Ranchi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren on COVID-19 preparedness via video conference as other ministers and officials look on, during the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus, in Ranchi, Monday, April 27, 2020. (PTI Photo)

What PM Modi said today during interaction with Chief Ministers:  As the nationwide lockdown approaches its purported end on May 3rd, Prime Minister Modi held extensive interaction with the Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of Indian states and Union Territories on Monday morning. The meeting concluded after a span of almost three hours.During the dialogue, PM Modi made following comments:

• PM Modi has said in the meeting that the collective efforts by the Center and the states are showing effect
• He said that the lockdown has proven effective and we are getting the benefit of it
• India is in a better position than other countries at the time of pandemic
• Wearing of masks and the formula of 'do gaz doori' must be the new norms as impact of Covid-19 will remain visible in coming months
• We have to give importance to economy as well as continue the fight against COVID-19, PM Narendra Modi told chief ministers
• The focus of the meeting remained on boosting the plunged economy, rather than on lockdown extension, sources said.
• Efforts of states should be directed towards converting COVID-19 red zones into orange and then to green zones
• Danger of COVID-19 is far from over and hence constant vigilance is of paramount importance: PM to CMs
• Chief Ministers of all the states made suggestions in discussions regarding lockdown with the Prime Minister

As per the information received, several states have mooted for the extension of lockdown to deal with the pandemic. Meghalaya wants the lockdown in the state to continue beyond May 3 to stem the spread of COVID-19, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said on Monday after a teleconference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The chief minister, however, said some relaxations will be introduced in green zones and non-COVID-19 affected districts after the nationwide shutdown has been lifted. However, as per sources, no clear indication was made in the meeting on whether the lockdown will stay or will be extended. Watch Here | PM Modi during meet with CMs: Lockdown led to positive results for India Among those present at the virtual meet, included Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and top officials from the PMO and Union Health Ministry. The chief ministers who attended the meeting included Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi), Pinarayi Vijayan (Kerala), Uddhav Thackeray (Maharashtra), E K Palaniswami (Tamil Nadu), Conard Sangma (Meghalaya) Trivendram Singh Rawat (Uttarakhand) and Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh). The prime minister was wearing a white 'gamcha' (Indian stole for men) with green border. He has been using 'gamcha' to cover his face during such meets. Sources in the government had on Sunday indicated that besides discussing the way forward in dealing with the pandemic, the prime ministers and chief ministers could also focus on a "graded" exit from the lockdown. Earlier the PMO had tweeted that aspects related to Covid-19 situation will be discussed between the CMs and the Prime Minister. A calculated decision on whether or not to extend the lockdown, or  otherwise how to phase the lifting of the lockdown, becomes imperative as the country is faced with continuous surge in the cases of Coronavirus.