Economic activity step-up, easing of curbs on PM-CMs meet agenda

Economic activity step-up, easing of curbs on PM-CMs meet agenda

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:  11.05.2020

PM Narendra Modi will have a lengthy, open-ended discussion, which may run into several hours on Monday, with chief ministers on the next steps of a graded exit from the national lockdown.

The talks will take note of the continued rise in Covid-19 cases, particularly in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, while considering measures to increase the pace of economic activities. The ongoing return of migrant workers to their home states and problems this is likely to cause in restarting the economy is also likely to be discussed.

Unlike what has been the case in previous interactions with CMs, all of those who participate on Monday will speak. The PM is understood to be keen to receive feedback on easing of curbs post-May 4 and whether the CMs want the lockdown to continue within the more relaxed parameters currently in force.

On Sunday, several state chief secretaries told Union Cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba while measures to contain the pandemic were needed, it was necessary for economic activities to be stepped up in a calibrated manner.

The mood in the Union government remains cautious as the national count of Covid-19 cases rises even if the infection rate is not galloping.

‘Modi to focus on worst-affected states like Maha and Gujarat’

It is felt gains of the lockdown, that have come at a huge economic cost, should not be put at risk and this could mean curbs will remain on inter-state movement and public transport. The return of migrants to the hinterland will also need to be monitored for any spread of the disease.

The third, and the most relaxed, phase of the lockdown will end on May 17. The previous decision to extend the lockdown was taken after most CMs favoured such a course of action. Going forward, the regime of red, orange and green zones is likely to continue for some time even if activities and movement within a state become freer and governments get more leeway on framing rules.

Modi’s focus, said sources, will also be on worst affected states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, where Covid-19 positive cases have been rising at an alarming pace.

On Sunday, Cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba told state chief secretaries that more than 350 Shramik Special trains had been run by railways so far to carry 3.5 lakh migrant workers home. He emphasised movement of doctors, nurses and paramedics should be totally unhindered and all steps taken to facilitate and protect corona warriors.

The three phases of lockdown are seen to have delivered significant results in keeping Covid-19 infections in control but the high incidence in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Chennai, which are also economic hubs, are worrying the Centre.

At a recent briefing, the health ministry said citizens will have to “learn to live with the virus”. While several restrictions have been lifted based on the rate of infection in various parts of the country, the PM’s interaction with CMs is likely to focus on reviving economic activities only in a graded manner.