At a video conference on Monday with Chief Ministers of various states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the lockdown would continue in some zones at different degrees after May 17. He further asked the CMs to draft their suggestions of economy revamping in their states and any other recommendations and send to Center by May 15 to May 17 for consideration. PM Modi further clarified that a complete exit from the lockdown is not a possibility. This is keeping in mind the current positive Coronavirus cases spikes throughout the nation.

In a nearly six hours conference with the CMs, PM Modi expressed his worries regarding the untouched rural area for pandemic controlling strategies formulation. All the CMs expressed their views regarding the lockdown and future strategies along with expressing disagreements regarding certain decisions taken by the Center.

With five Chief Ministers including those of Bihar, West Bengal and Telangana asking for a lockdown extension, PM indicated that a complete exit from lockdown will not be a possibility. This was an extension of worries due to continuous spikes in positive Coronavirus cases and an expected massive influx of Indians and expats from various countries in coming days.

Prime Minister lauded the states for their efforts in combating the pandemic and appreciated the combined efforts of all as a nation.

Mr. Modi indicated the expediting of migrant workers movement to their native states in coming 10 days. Ministry of Health Affairs (MHA) also advocated this strategy. PM elaborated that with this the states might experience a rise in cases in coming days. He also acknowledged that the states providing jobs to these workers too may face problems due to depletion in work force. But states must be now focused on economy revival, PM Modi said.

Many State CMs including Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Telangana and Chhattisgarh expressed their disapproval regarding the resumption of passenger trains services by the Center. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Mr. Edappadi K. Palaniswami requested the PM to reconsider airplanes and train services to the state.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that being a former Railway Minister he knew better that this decision of train services resumption can lead to a massive hike in cases at this delicate stage of nation’s fight against the COVID-19 infection.

While five states asked for a lockdown extension, Delhi Chief Minister Mr. Aravind Kejriwal said that it was time that “the country learned to live with the coronavirus.” He indicated that he was in favour of opening up of economic revival strategies.

West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee spoke ahead in the meeting with some strong points and her disapproval of politicizing the situation and being singled out in the fight against Coronavirus.

Most of the states asked the Center for a financial package announcement with GST compensation which is due to the States to be paid. Andhra Pradesh along with other states also advocated raising of deficit limit under Fiscal Responsibility Act.

PM Modi’s Statements during the Conference

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the states will have to work together to keep the spread of novel coronavirus under control while regaining the nation’s economy as the country tactfully exits from lockdown in coming days.

PM Modi reaffirmed the importance of “do gaz doori” (social distancing with two feet distance). He further stated that “night curfew” suggestion by many States would be helpful in keeping people vigilant and cautious.

Mr. Modi said that train services are essential to the economic revival of nation’s economy. But he reassured that all routes will not be operational and only certain number of trains would be in service.

The conference of PM and CMs put forward various suggestions and strategy recommendations for the country’s exit from lockdown and resumption of normal life watchfully.

Prime Minister Modi addresses the Nation via Twitter live at 8pm on May 11,2020. It is expected that he’ll explaining about phase II of Lockdown 3.0 which can also called ‘Lockdown 4.0’