State for extension of lockdown till April 30

Panaji: The state cabinet on Wednesday decided to recommend to the Prime Minister’s Office that the nationwide lockdown imposed in the wake of COVID-19 should remain in force till April 30.

Ministers suggested at a cabinet meeting, which was chaired by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday, that the lockdown period in the state should be extended till April 30 considering the national scenario vis-a-vis COVID-19.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the cabinet ministers suggested extending the lockdown period. Hence the state will submit its recommendations to the Prime Minister Office in this regard.
He told reporters at a press conference held at his official residence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address all the states through video conferencing on April 11 whereby various issues as regards the lockdown will be discussed.

“The state government will announce the decision on lockdown on April 13,” he said. The cabinet was also unanimous on continuous enforcement of Section 144 of CrPC till the COVID-19 situation improves nationally.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane told media persons after the cabinet meeting that the entire cabinet was unanimous on extending the lockdown period in the state.

“We have also suggested that Section 144 of CrPC be remain enforced…,” he said. Port Minister Michael Lobo said the cabinet decided to recommend to the Prime Minister Office that the lockdown should remain in force till April 30 considering the rising number of COVID cases in the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked the states to give their recommendations on the ongoing 21-day-long lockdown.