As India enters the last week of the 54-day lockdown, several states will have the lockdown extension. The states are including Punjab, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, and Telangana.
It pitched for two more weeks’ extension of the lockdown. It took place during a video interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various state chief ministers on Monday.
In view of ‘escalating’ cases of virus, a well-crafted exit strategy to save lives. And then, the secure livelihood would continue the national lockdown. Amarinder Singh, Punjab Chief Minister gave his suggestion during PM Modi’s interaction with the CM’s.
He was also seeking greater autonomy for states in micro-planning. Singh proposed that the classification should be left to the states of red, green and orange zones and also called for a national testing strategy.
The exit strategy should concentrate on fiscal and economic empowerment of states. It would take responsible for real action that directly impairs the common man’s livelihood and social welfare, the chief minister said.
He also called for immediate fiscal assistance for states to meet at least 33 per cent of pledged liabilities for a 3-month revenue grants.
The Number of COVID-19 in Punjab Has Risen
In Punjab the total number of COVID-19 cases has risen to 1,877, with 54 more people testing positive today. Death from the infection is 31, while active cases are 1,678.
The Bihar and Assam chief ministers have expressed similar concerns. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said his government agrees to prolong the lockdown because once the lockdown is lifted there will be a massive influx of people into the state and a rise in the risk of transmission.
Assam also demanded that the lockdown be extended by two more weeks and called for restrictions on travel between states.
Meanwhile, a number of states raised concerns about the government’s decision to restart restricted passenger train operations from Tuesday. At least four states, including Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, have voiced their concerns over the meeting with PM Modi, according to sources.
