Centre set to extend lockdown by 2 weeks

New Delhi

Stage appears to be set for the extension of nationwide lockdown for at least two more weeks as states today made emphatic requests in that regard during the chief ministers’ interaction with PM Narendra Modi, keeping in view the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

With Odisha and Punjab having already announced extension of the lockdown, many CMs, including Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal, also favoured continuation of the lockdown beyond April 14.

An official announcement is expected soon. Officials privy to the discussions said the Centre was formulating a calibrated exit strategy in conformity with the norm of social distancing and coming up with a model to open up sectors to kick-start economy.On economic challenges, the PM said the crisis was an opportunity to become self-reliant. He suggested specific measures in agriculture and allied sectors, including modifying agriculture produce marketing company law to facilitate sale of produce at the farm gate. Emphasising that the coming three to four weeks would be critical in determining the impact of the steps taken so far, he said teamwork was the key to facing the challenge.

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