District-wise lockdown relaxation in states with less Covid cases, says PM to CMs: Sources

After PM Modi's fourth video-conference with CMs concluded, sources have revealed that post-May 3 lockdown relaxations are likely to be given to states in a district-wise manner, and that lockdown is likely to continue in areas that are more affected by COVID-19.

Currently, India is under lockdown till May 3 after decision was anunced by PM Modi during his address to nation on April 14. lockdown has proven to be effective since  country has been able to tend Coronavirus curve towards much-desired 'flattening' amid global pandemic. Prime Minister also praised collective effort with states that has led to India's strong Covid response.

Read: 'Collective Effort Bearing Fruit Against Covid,' Says PM Modi In Meet With CMs: Sources

Home Minister also participates

As per sources, during meeting,Home Minister Amit Shah put forth that certain relaxations had been given in trade and industry, however lockdown guidelines needed to be strictly followed. Amit Shah also urged states to go ahead on guidance of PM's 'Jaan Bhi Jahan Bhi' motto since battle against COVID-19 pandemic was 'long and needed to be fought with patience.'

PM Modi's meeting with CMs

This was fourth conference of Prime Minister with Chief Ministers over COVID-19 outbreak in country. According to Republic sources, PM Modi may address nation in next 4-5 days. Sources added that a clear exit plan and how it should be implemented in a phased manner will also be discussed. At least eight states have written to PMO that y would want certain specific relaxations keeping in mind ecomic ramification of ecomic lockdown, sources said. 

List of CMs attending videoconference with PM Modi

Among those present at meeting are, Haryana CM Mahar Lal Khattar, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur, Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, and Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Or attendees include Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa, Assam CM Sarbananda Sowal, Tamil Nadu CM E K Palaniswami, Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb, among ors. Lieutenant Goverrs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh GC Murmu and R K Mathur respectively are also at meeting.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan decided to skip meeting. "In today's meeting, re was time allotted for Kerala CM to speak. Chief Secretary Tom Jose, will be attending meeting," said an official. According to ANI sources, Kerala has given its suggestions in writing.

Read: Amit Shah Takes Part On PM-CMs Covid Meet; Urges Lockdown Compliance For 'long Battle'

Read: PM Modi-CMs' Covid Conference Attended By Mamata Banerjee; PM May Address In Next 4-5 Days