Lockdown Roadmap
Final decision on shutdown likely today as Modi & Shah discuss views from CMs
Kamaljit Sandhu
As the countdown to the end of Lockdown 4.0 begins, Ministry of Home Affairs is working on future modalities with Union Home Minister Amit Shah meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in 7 Lok Kalyan Marg on Friday afternoon.
Earlier, Shah conversed with all Chief Ministers on the future of ongoing nationwide lockdown beyond May 31.
Several states have already made it known that they want a progressive dilution of restriction allowing for greater economic activity.
Himachal Pradesh has decided to extend the lockdown in three districts of Hamirpur, Solan, and Shimla till June 30. The state government has authorised 3 district magistrates to extend the lockdown measures beyond the current phase ending on May 31.
Jammu and Kashmir, like Karnataka, has been seriously mulling to allow a 15-day Amaranth Yatra due in June end, but sources said no final decision has been taken.
The administration, like several other states, wants greater economic activity. However, agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry are already working.
There is a view that the newly carved UT needs to engage stakeholders for eventual re-opening of hotels and handicrafts by issuing SOPs followed by workshops.
Punjab, for instance, will take a final call on Saturday. But top sources say that the state is keen that certain restrictions remain with schools, colleges, malls and cinema complexes which will be closed but allowing other greater economic activities.
Haryana was said to be in favour of extension of the lockdown while keeping its border with Delhi completely sealed due to increasing Covid-19 cases, Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij told the media.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal wants more relaxations, including opening up of malls and public transport, including the Metro services.
The North-Eastern states, according to government sources, have demanded that states have more say in curbs list but will follow all guidelines as per the NDMA Act.
The nationwide curbs were first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 for 21 days in a bid to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.
As India now nears close to 70 days of the nationwide lockdown, there is uncertainty in various quarters.
Shah’s telephonic conversations with CMs came just three days before the end of the fourth phase of the lockdown.
Since the lockdown, it is for first time that the home minister spoke to the chief ministers individually before crucial announcement on Sunday.
Several chief ministers want the lockdown to continue in some form but also favoured opening up of the economic activities and gradual return of the normal life.
This story was featured in May 30, 2020 of Mail Today
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