Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray via video conference on Covid-19 preparedness, during the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus. (PTI Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hinted at another extension of lockdown in Covid-19 hotspots after May 3 during his virtual meet with chief ministers. The PM also lauded the efforts made by states across India to contain the deadly novel coronavirus pandemic while asking them to prepare a lockdown exit policy.

In a review meeting with chief ministers over lockdown extension on Monday, the Prime Minister said collective efforts of states have helped to manage the present crisis and added that thousands of lives have been saved due to steps taken by state governments in the past one and a half months.

“We saw a two-stage lockdown, with strict measures in the first phase and then some relaxations in the second. Good work has been done in the states,” PM Modi told the CMs.

The PM said: "Efforts of states should now be directed towards converting the red zones into orange and thereafter to green zones. We have to be brave and bring in reforms that touch the lives of common citizens."

During his meeting via video conference on Monday, Prime Minister Modi told the CMs that a policy needs to be drawn to exit the lockdown. PM Modi asked the states to prepare state-wise exit policy in view of their red, orange and green zones.

PM Modi also forewarned that the danger is far from over and constant vigilance is required. "Impact of Covid-19 will remain visible in the coming months, masks and face covers will be part of life," PM Modi told the CMs.

PM Modi said importance has to be given to the economy as well. He also emphasised on the importance of usage of technology as much as possible and also to utilise time to embrace reform measures.

The CMs met the PM to discuss the situation arising due to Covid-19 in the country, which is under a 50-day lockdown since March 25 to contain the pandemic.

Monday’s meeting was Modi's fourth such interaction with state chief ministers since March 22 when he first spoke to them on the coronavirus situation.

The chief ministers who attended the meeting included Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi), Uddhav Thackeray (Maharashtra), E K Palaniswami (Tamil Nadu), Conard Sangma (Meghalaya) Trivendram Singh Rawat (Uttarakhand) and Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh). Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and top officials from the PMO and Union Health Ministry were also present at the virtual meet.

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. The prime minister asked CMs to classify states into red, orange and green zones. This indicates that the lockdown could be extended in hotspots or red zones. As many as four chief ministers, including Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, have advised extension of the lockdown to contain the infection.

Gujarat:

CM Vijay Rupani briefed the Centre about the state's testing-treatment mechanism. He also said that he is in favor of extending the lockdown in red zone areas/hotspots areas. Small business activities have already begun in green zones after the MHA's April 25 guidelines, added Rupani.

Haryana:

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar briefed the Centre about steps taken to help farmers in Mandi. I am in favor of extension of lockdown in red zones and sealing of state borders to stop free movement, Khattar said.

Bihar:

CM Nitish Kumar asked for a policy to bring stranded students for Kota and other states. He also asked for a health check-up of all migrants laborers.

Delhi:

The situation is still challenging but a final decision will be taken in the next few days, said Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This hints at some relaxation, but strict restrictions in containment zones in the national capital.

Maharashtra:

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray suggested an absolute lockdown in hotspots beyond May 3. These include Mumbai and Pune. A decision is yet to be taken on green zones, awaiting the Centre's orders on the movement of migrant workers. The CM also requested the Centre for foodgrains.

Tamil Nadu:

Tamil Nadu CM Edapaddi K Palaniswami requested the prime minister to extend support to the MSME sector for payment of salaries, PF, ESI dues, waiver interest on term loans and working capital loans for six months. Payment of GST (advance tax) and income tax could be deferred for six months to help MSMEs, he said. Palaniswami also requested an ad-hoc grant of Rs 1,000 crore from NDRF to procure medical and protective equipment.

Puducherry:

Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said there should be a cautious approach in light of the rising number of cases. He asked the PM for GST compensation that has been due for the last five months and at least four months' compensation to be released immediately. The government of India should give us an economic package, Narayanasamy said.

Jharkhand:

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren asked the Centre for a formal policy on the return of migrant workers and students. He too said that he is not in favor of any relaxation of restrictions in red zones or hotspots.

Rajasthan:

Rajasthan Chief Minister did not get a chance to speak but asked for a relief package of Rs 1 lakh crore. He also suggested the removal of the lockdown in a phased manner.

Madhya Pradesh:

MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan indicated that he would follow whatever the central government decides. He too said that restrictions should not be relaxed in the state's hotspots, namely Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain.

Uttar Pradesh:

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also suggested that the lockdown should not be relaxed in red zones or Covid-19 hotspots.

Chhattisgarh:

CM Bhupesh Baghel said that he is in favour of permitting economic activities in green zones. He also voiced support for the sealing of state borders.

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