Cautioning people to be ready for a “long fight” against Covid-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told his ministers to make plans for slowly exiting the ongoing lockdown and to contain the economic impact of the deadly virus pandemic, including by reducing dependence on other countries.
As more people tested positive in New Delhi, Mumbai and other parts of the country, the nationwide tally of infections went over 4,600 and the death toll rose to at least 138, as per figures announced by various states. The government also announced a 30 per cent cut in salaries of all MPs for one year and a two-year suspension of their local area development funds worth nearly Rs 8,000 crore.
The Union Health Ministry indicated the disease is in “localised community transmission” stage with a large number of cases being found in some particular areas, amid indications that some areas including in Uttar Pradesh may not see full exit from the lockdown.
Telangana government asked the Centre to consider extending the lockdown, while Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said no one should be under the impression of complete lifting of lockdown in the state after April 15. Assam government hinted at a permit system for people wanting to enter the state after the lockdown ends on April 14.
A group of senior central government officers also met to discuss all strategic issues related to the lockdown, including a graded exit plan and sector-wise impact assessment and demand.
Addressing his council of ministers in a video conference, PM Modi asked them to prepare business continuity plans to fight the economic impact of Covid-19 on a war footing, but also asserted that this crisis is an opportunity to boost the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative and reduce dependence on other countries.
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