Lockdown exit plan: This is 5th meeting between PM and chief ministers since lockdown began.(File)
Highlights
- The discussions will revolve around a plan for life after May 17
- The meet, set to start at 3 pm, will go on "till proceedings continue"
- The crisis for thousands of migrants will also be a key agenda
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Mamata Banerjee, one of the first to speak, reportedly attacked the centre saying it was "using coronavirus as an excuse" to play politics. "This is not the time to do politics, don't bulldoze the federal structure," the Bengal Chief Minister said.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palanisamy urged PM Modi not to resume flights and trains this month. Tamil Nadu, especially Chennai, has seen a surge in coronavirus cases, he said.
On the other hand, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy said it was important to reopen agricultural markets, public transport, markets and shopping malls with some SOPs to prevent infections. "Normalcy will revive the economy," Jagan Reddy reportedly said.
All states have raised concerns about the crisis for thousands of migrants, stranded because of the lockdown since March-end.
Migrants left jobless and without food or shelter walking home thousands of kilometres away has been one of the most compelling sights during the shutdown.
Even after special trains started running from states to take migrants, students and others home, the desperation has not ended for many.
Economic measures to help migrants, small and medium industries and to help revive consumption were also discussed.
States have demanded that in case of a graded exit from the lockdown based on red, orange and green zones, state administrations be allowed to decide where restrictions can be eased.
Amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, exiting the lockdown will be a tough call.
Though the number of cases showed the biggest jump on Monday, India also has a significantly improved recovery rate of 31 per cent. This morning, the number of coronavirus patients is 67,152 with 4,213 new cases in the last 24 hours.
