New Delhi: Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Saturday said that all the chief ministers unanimously suggested to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the extension of lockdown till April 30.
The discussion of extending lockdown was held during a meeting via video conferencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chief Ministers.
Puducherry CM further informed that Prime Minister agreed to the suggestions made by all the CMs for the extension of lockdown but the final official announcement will be made by him shortly.
He stated that the PM wanted to continue the farm activities, as suggested by many CMs, during the extended lockdown while also considering the containment measures which are important to fight coronavirus pandemic.
Narayansamy also said that CMs of some states, including West Bengal, raised the issue of interference done by governors and Lieutenant governors by creating 'hindrances' in the of work of state governments.
"Some CMs urged the Prime Minister to stop governors and Lieutenant governors from interfering in the functioning of state governments," he said.
During the meeting, most CMs asked Center for financial aid as the states are facing a fund crunch in the absence of any economic activity due to the ongoing nationwide lockdown.
"People's livelihoods are important. States are not having sufficient funds to support the vulnerable people of their respective states including migrant workers, farmers, MSMEs and unorganised sector workers. For that we need center's support as currently there is no economic activity going on in any of the state due to the 21-days nationwide lockdown," said Puducherry CM.
He pointed out that states have not received their GST compensation yet.
"The states are facing fund crunch. Hence, Chief Ministers urged PM for a financial package for all states and Moratorium on debts but the latter did not say anything on this," he added.
Till date, three states have announced lockdown till April 30, including Rajasthan, Punjab and Odisha.
Whereas Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal urged PM, during the meeting, to announce a nationwide lockdown to create a major impact.
Delhi CM Kejriwal said: "If the states decide the length of lockdown on their own then the fight against coronavirus won't be effective."
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