NewsGate Press Network

Majority of the Chief Ministers who held their fifth telecon with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today on 11 May stated that its time to open-up the locked economy but not without with abundant caution.

The PM was reported to be categorical that ‘let the easing-off of restrictions begin  – while making sure that rural India is safe from the pandemic virus.

The video conference between PM and CMs started at 3 pm in the afternoon.

Many chief ministers expressed their desire to start normal activities in their industrial and commercial zones.

West Bengal chief minister Mamta Banerjee is reported to have made a scathing remark that ‘Centre should not play politics at a time when the coronavirus pandemic has gripped the country’.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asked to re-draw red-orange-green zones while advocating that all kinds of activities be allowed outside the containment zones.

It may be recalled that Union Health Ministry has placed all 11 districts in the Capital as Red Zones thereby restricting revival of economic activity.

Gujarat CM also echoed what Kejriwal said that he wanted lockdown only in the containment zones even though the district is under red zone category.

Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Bhagel also sought permission from Centre to allow states to define red, orange and green zones.

“State governments should get the right to take decisions on handling of economic activities within their states,” Baghel said.

Andhra Pradesh CM Jaganmohan Reddy sought relaxation of lockdown measures, with strict adherence of social distancing measures.

He stated that till the vaccine is ready, ‘we need to prepare people to live with coronavirus’.

In his opening remarks the PM said “there is global recognition for India’s success in handling the pandemic and Govt of India appreciates the efforts made by all state governments in this regard. Let us stay on course’’.

Modi added that “Slowly but surely, economic activities have begun to pick up in several parts of the country.

The current phase of Lockdown 3.0 come to end on 17 May 2020.