CM seeks feedback on future relaxations

CM seeks feedback on future relaxations

Says Inputs To Be Added To Final Submission

AlokKNMishra@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:  13.05.2020

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked Delhi and other states to submit suggestions on lockdown relaxations after May 17, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal invited suggestions from people of Delhi on how to ease the restrictions. The government will discuss these with doctors and experts and submit a detailed roadmap to the central government. Delhi government wants to strike a balance between fighting the novel coronavirus and saving lives and rejuvenating the economy and livelihoods.

Suggestions can be sent on the toll-free number 1031, WhatsApp number 8800007722 or by email to delhicm.suggestions@gmail.com by 5pm on May 13.

Within hours of the CM’s invitation at a press conference on Tuesday, hundreds of suggestions started pouring in. An official said in seven hours, three lakh WhatsApp messages and 5,000 emails were received, while 25,000 people called on the phone number released by the government. Some market associations sought the reopening of markets on an odd-even basis, while some traders have demanded allowing public transport with all precautions and strict social distancing.

At the press conference Kejriwal said, “The PM wanted to know from the states the level of relaxations and restrictions they desired and asked them to send their suggestions to the central gover nment by May 15, based on which it will decide on activities post-May 17.” The Covid lockdown had earlier been extended up to May 17.

“I want the views of Delhi’s people on lifting the lockdown. The coronavirus is spreading and full removal of lockdown will not be a good idea,” Kejriwal said. “I want your suggestions on the tenure and level of relaxations, on the sectors that should get relaxation, and whether buses, autorickshaws and Delhi Metro should begin.” He also wanted to learn whether Delhiites thought markets and industrial areas opening was acceptable.

He, however, cautioned, “If the restrictions are lifted, we have to maintain social distancing, wear masks and follow precautions. While it is a time to stop the spread of Covid-19, there is also a need for resume economic activities.”

Kejriwal clarified that there would be no “voting” on the suggestions collected by Delhi govenrment. The ideas submitted by the people would be discussed with medical and other experts and a set of recommendations prepared for submission to the Centre by May 15.

The 50 days of closure have hit the economy and livelihoods in Delhi. Kejriwal’s view has been that all economic activities should be allowed with the necessary precautions, including social distancing, in non-containment zones, because a prolonged freeze would cause severe damage to businesses and livelihoods. Kejriwal had recently stated that the novel coronavirus was here to stay and it was time people learnt to live with it. The city currently has 81 coronavirus containment zones.