Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with chief
ministers via video conference on Monday morning on the way ahead in the fight
against the novel coronavirus, amid indications that the discussions could also
focus on a graded exit from the ongoing lockdown.

IMAGE: A security official wearing a
protective suit checks passports of British nationals before checking-in for a
special flight bound to London during a government-imposed nationwide lockdown
as a preventive measure against the coronavirus, at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee
International Airport in Amritsar, on Saturday. Photograph: PTI Photo
This will be the third
video conference of the prime minister with the chief ministers after the
spread of the COVID-19 in the country.
Sources in the government
indicated that besides discussing the way forward in dealing with the pandemic,
the discussion could also focus on a 'graded' exit from the lockdown which is
in place till May 3.
The Centre and the state
governments have been giving gradual relaxation in various fields and sectors
to boost economic activities as also to provide relief to people.
But some states are willing
to extend the lockdown beyond May 3 to ensure that coronavirus cases remain
under control.
In his monthly 'Mann ki
Baat' radio address on Sunday, the prime minister said the country is in the middle
of a 'yudh' (war) and asserted that people have to continue being
careful and take precautions.
His note of caution comes
against the backdrop of the Union government and states relaxing lockdown norms
to revive economic activities.
"I urge you not to get
overconfident. You should in your over-enthusiasm not think that if the
coronavirus has not yet reached your city, village, street or office, it is not
going to reach now. Never make such a mistake. The experience of the world
tells us a lot in this regard," he said.
Modi referred to a popular
Hindi idiom 'Sawdhani hati, durghatna ghati' (accident happens when caution is
lowered) to make his point.
The Centre has now allowed
neighbourhood and standalone shops, including those located in residential
complexes, in urban areas to open during the lockdown. But those in the markets
continue to remain shut till May 3.
In rural areas, all shops,
except those in shopping malls, are allowed to open.
In a late night order on
Friday, the Home Ministry also said malls continue to remain shut but markets in
rural areas can open.
However, opening of shops
located in COVID-19 hotspot and containment zones, sale of non-essential items
by e-commerce platforms and sale of liquor continue to be prohibited.
In the last interaction on
April 11, several chief ministers had recommended extension of the 21-day
lockdown by two weeks, which was slated to end on April 14 earlier.
On April 14, the prime
minister had announced that the lockdown is being extended till May 3.
Before the lockdown was
announced on March 24, the prime minister had interacted with the chief
ministers on March 20 to discuss ways and means to check the spread of the
novel coronavirus.
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