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Coronavirus: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with chief ministers on COVID-19 today
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held a four-hour meeting with at least 13 chief ministers by video conference today, has indicated that the closure amid the COVID-19 pandemic would last two weeks after considering the request of the chief ministers , who preferred a longer containment period. The closure was scheduled to end Tuesday.
Prime Minister Modi also marked a shift in the fight against the pandemic, from saving lives to saving lives and the economy. Three weeks ago, while announcing the closure, Prime Minister Modi had said: “Jaan hai a jahaan hai (the world exists if life exists).” However, towards the end of today’s meeting, he emphasized “Jaan bhi jahaan bhi (life and economy)” as the closure has put great pressure on companies.
“The prime minister has made the right decision to extend the blockade. Today, India’s position is better than that of many developed countries because we started the blockade early. If it is stopped now, all profits would be lost. To consolidate, it is necessary extend it. ” Prime Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted minutes after the meeting.
Most of the top ministers who attended the video conference noted that they may not have the massive resources necessary to deal with an outbreak in COVID-19 cases if the blockade is removed sooner. The chief ministers asked the center for a package of aid.
“Extend the blockade. We do not lack the infrastructure to deal with the coronavirus, but the question is to implement policies effectively. Prime Minister Modi has always appreciated the suggestions of the states,” said Madhya Pradesh Prime Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
“It is important to extend the national blockade … We need a common aid policy for the rabi (winter) harvest,” said Rajasthan Prime Minister Ashok Gehlot.
Tomorrow PM Modi is likely to give a televised address to the nation tomorrow to announce the extension of the blockade. At the end of today’s four-hour meeting, Prime Minister Modi said he will allow industries to gradually reopen.
Odisha and Punjab have already announced an extension of the blockade. The Bihar government in a letter to the center has raised no objection to extending the blockade; However, he wants an exception to continue rural construction and relief work in case of flooding, sources told NDTV. Bihar saw massive flooding last year and reconstruction projects are still ongoing.
