The central government is planning to run special train and bus services for labourers employed by the agriculture sector. This announcement comes days after a 21-day nationwide lockdown imposed to curb further spread of the novel coronavirus resulted in thousands of labourers stranded on state highways across the country.

A special package is also being drafted for labourers who are during the lockdown period. Essential industrial sectors are likely to be added to the list of exemptions to ensure that crucial economic output does not come to a grinding halt.

Starting April 12, all ministers and government officials above the rank of joint secretary will be joining their respective offices to start working on a plan for a post-lockdown economic revival.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a video conference with chief ministers of various states, seeking suggestions on the extension of the nationwide lockdown due to end on April 14. Most chief ministers recommended that the lockdown be extended till the end of April to ensure that community spread does not take place. However, the central government is yet to issue an official statement in this regard.

In its report, 'South Asia Economic Update: Impact of COVID-19', the World Bank said that the coronavirus outbreak has severely disrupted the Indian economy. The pandemic hit at a time when India's economy was already slowing, added the report. The World Bank predicts sharp growth deceleration in FY21 if demand disruptions continue to remain in the picture.