With the 21-day nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus coming to an end on 15 April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 11 April, said there seems to be a consensus among states on its extension by another two weeks, according to a government statement.
The PM's remarks came after he held a meeting with chief ministers of states to discuss the exit strategy for the lockdown. According to government sources cited by PTI, most states requested PM Modi to extend the lockdown by two weeks, with the Centre now considering the request.
Meanwhile, soon after the meeting, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter to say, "PM has taken correct decision to extend lockdown. Today, India’s position is better than many developed countries because we started lockdown early. If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost. To consolidate, it is imp to extend it (sic)".
PM Condemns Attacks on Healthcare Professionals
Modi, according to his office, emphasised the criticality of the coming 3-4 weeks for determining the impact of the steps taken till now to contain the virus, adding that teamwork is the key to facing the challenge.
He also condemned the attacks on healthcare professionals as well as the incidents of misbehaviour with students from Northeast and Kashmir.
“The PM observed combined effort of Centre and states has helped reduce the impact of COVID-19, but constant vigilance is paramount.”Government statement, as quoted by PTI
He also assured that the country has adequate supplies of essential medicines, while giving a message against black marketing and hoarding.
"Measures are being taken to ensure availability of protective gear and critical equipment for all frontline workers in the COVID-19 fight," he was further quoted as saying.
What Other CMs Said on the Meeting
After the meeting, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa pointed out that the PM said the guidelines for the next 15 days will be announced by the Government of India in the next 1-2 days.
“PM told us that we must not compromise on lockdown and we are receiving suggestions for extending it for the next 15 days... The next two weeks lockdown will be different from the last three weeks.”Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa
Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy said PM Modi agreed when most CMs sought an extension of lockdown during the meeting, saying its continuation is a must. According to him, most of the chief ministers also raised the issue of migrant labourers and poor people losing their livelihood, and sought steps from Centre to help them.
“The PM felt farm activity should continue and said guidelines would be issued by the Centre regarding (kickstarting) construction industry in a graded manner.”Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy
Narayanasamy also pointed out that the CMs urged PM for a package for all states and a moratorium on debts, but the former "did not say anything".
"Some CMs told PM to stop governors and L-Gs from interfering in the functioning of state governments," he added.
Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel urged the prime minister to allow states to carry out economic activities within their borders.
A number of state governments, as well as experts, have been requesting that the central government extend the 21-day nationwide lockdown that was imposed from 25 March to curb the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus.
This was the second time the prime minister interacted with chief ministers via video conference after the lockdown was imposed.
Earlier, during an interaction with floor leaders of various political parties, who have representation in Parliament, on Wednesday, Modi said the situation in the country is akin to a 'social emergency' which has necessitated tough decisions.
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