PM Modi discusses COVID-19 strategy with CMs: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a virtual meet with Chief Ministers, of all states and Union Territories (UTs) and discussed the situation arising due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 800 lives in across India so far. If TV reports are to be believed, PM Modi in the meeting lauded the efforts of the state governments and asserted that the lockdown has been helpful in combating the spread of COVID-19.

Besides states and UT heads, Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and top officials from the PMO and Union Health Ministry were also present in the meet. Reports claimed that Shah asked states to be vigilant in enforcing the lockdown and punish those who are violating the norms.

“All states must enforce lockdown strictly. Reports of lockdown violations are still coming from parts of the nation”, the Home Minister told CMs.

Some major updates from the video conference can be checked from the below-mentioned points.

  • PM Modi said, “For a long time now, COVID-19 has become a part of our lives. Considering the threat that it poses we shouldn’t compromise on one thing: that is maintaining social distance. This should be made into a mantra for all- ‘do gaj doori’. We have to keep spreading this message and should be a life lesson for all. In the same way, masks or face covers should become a major part of our lives.”
  • “We have mooted to continue with the lockdown post-May 3 with relaxation on activities in green zones or non-COVID affected districts in Meghalaya,” said Conrad Sangma(Chief Minister of the State of Meghalaya) after discussing COVID-19 strategy with PM Modi.
  • For the economic revival of the states amid coronavirus lockdown, a committee of ministers and a committee of experts has been constituted, said Uttarakhand CM after discussing COVID-19 strategy with Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conference.
  • Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik urged the Centre to initiate measures to kickstart the economy. He suggested that Niti Ayog should come up with transformative ideas to keep the economy moving in this grim situation. Even if the national lockdown continues, economic activities within the states should be allowed.
  • To fight against COVID-19, Bihar has started door to door screening, said Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in a video conference with PM Modi. Till now, 4 crore people have been screened, Kumar added.
  • PM Modi, in the meeting, also says that North Indian states are having cases of flu, urged all CMs to ensure that people register in Aarogya Setu app
  • Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy sought Centre’s intervention for providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and other medical equipment for the state’s healthcare warriors.
  • The states are also expected to demand a financial package from the Centre, and an amendment to the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act.

Meanwhile, Reserve Bank of India today announced a special liquidity facility of ₹50,000 crores for mutual funds,  to ease liquidity pressures on mutual funds.

One of the key demands likely to be made by the state chief minister during the meeting is the arrangement of special trains to transport migrant workers to their home states. Several chief ministers had also recommended extending the nationwide lockdown by two weeks. India is under lockdown till May 3.

The country is in the middle of a ‘yudh’ (war), said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the nation via his monthly radio show ‘Mann ki Baat’. He also asserted that people have to take necessary precautions to fight against COVID-19.

-The Central government has relaxed several measures during the lockdown. The norms were eased in the least affected areas to start economic activities.