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He also told them that the resumption of train services on selected routes was necessary to “accelerate” economic activity, even when he noted the reservations expressed by some CMs in this regard.
“I firmly believe that the necessary measures in the first phase of the blockade were not necessary during the second, and similarly, the necessary measures in the third phase are not necessary in the fourth,” Modi told the CMs.
Although an extension of the blockade is expected beyond May 17, the Center is willing to frame general guidelines for the resumption of economic activities. However, the prime minister told chief ministers this time they will have to respond if they want to close only containment areas or entire districts of the red zone for economic activity, official sources said.
The prime minister said the world has fundamentally changed, and just like after the two world wars, it will now be divided into “pre-crown and post-crown.”
In his opening comments on the video conference with CM, Modi said the fight against Covid-19 should be “more focused now” with a greater emphasis on the practice of “do gaz ki doori”, or social distancing.
Differences on night curfew too
“We have a double challenge: reduce the rate of disease transmission and gradually increase public activities while complying with all the guidelines. And we will have to work to achieve both objectives, ”he said.
The top ministers appeared to be trying to ease the blockade, and many were reluctant to open their states for economic activities, the sources said. Many states wanted the blockade to extend until May 31, while some seemed to favor restricting curbs to containment areas. States were also divided on whether the night curfew should continue.
Maharashtra, Punjab, Telangana, West Bengal, Bihar and Tamil Nadu sought an extension of the confinement, citing increasing cases. States like Delhi, Odisha, Gujarat and Karnataka wanted economic activities to begin in the red zone districts after May 17, while only the containment areas were kept closed. Uttar Pradesh said it will go with any decision made by the prime minister.
AIR AND RAIL TRAFFIC
Although the Center has announced special passenger trains starting this week, at least three CMs recommended to the PM to postpone the move for now. Telangana Prime Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, Tamil Nadu CM EK Palaniswami and Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa asked the prime minister not to restart train or air services until the end of May to stop an increase in infections.
Modi previously told CMs that the country had been very successful in curbing the spread of the coronavirus, but cautioned that special care must now be taken to prevent its spread to villages with millions of migrant workers returning to their homes. “We also have to make sure that rural India remains free from this crisis,” he said.
Regarding the pandemic, Modi said: “We now have a reasonably clear indication as to the geographical spread of the pandemic in India, including the most affected areas. Also, in recent weeks, officials have understood operational procedures at a time like this, down to the district level. ”
AAROGYA SETU
Interior Minister Amit Shah opened the discussion with the CMs and asked them to strictly implement the Center’s guidelines. He urged them to popularize the Aarogya Setu app, saying it was an effective way to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Andhra Pradesh, CM Jaganmohan Reddy, said it was necessary to restore normality and raise awareness among people that 95% of patients with Covid-19 are being cured. Meanwhile, CM Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal accused the Center of being discriminatory and harassing state officials. He also accused the Center of making decisions without consulting the states. He appealed to the Center “so that he does not play politics” and gives all states equal importance in the fight against Covid-19.
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