Lockdown won’t go at once: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacting with floor leaders of the opposition and other parties in Parliament via video conference in New Delhi. —Photo: PTI

New Delhi

Dashing hopes of a complete exit from the ongoing lockdown in one go, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the country is facing a “social emergency” like situation as well as serious economic challenges due to Covid-19.

After an interaction with Modi via video conference, floor leaders of opposition and other parties in Parliament said the lockdown might not be lifted completely after April 14 and they were told by the Prime Minister that the pre-corona and post-corona life won't be the same.

“The situation in the country is akin to a social emergency...it has necessitated tough decisions and we must continue to remain vigilant,” the Prime Minister told the leaders, according to an official statement. He asserted that his government's priority is to “save each and every life”. "The present situation is an epoch-changing event in mankind’s history and we must evolve to counter its impact,” Modi said.

“Prime Minister Modi made it clear that lockdown is not being lifted,” Biju Janata Dal leader Pinaki Misra said. Another leader, who participated in the meeting but did not wish to be named, said the Prime Minister told them that he would also consult Chief Ministers. Those participated in the meet included Ghulam Nabi Azad, leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha, and Nationalist Congress Party head Sharad Pawar. Sources said these leaders were briefed by secretaries of various Ministries — health, home and rural development — on the actions taken by the government to tackle Covid-19 and mitigate the hardships arising out of the lockdown.

PPE shortage

Several opposition leaders raised the issue of shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers in the country, while a few also suggested that construction of the new parliament building should be avoided, a source said.