The Central Government is contemplating extension of the 21-day COVID-19 lockdown with most of the States pitching for it.
Notably, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country is increasing with every passing day with figures nearing the 5,000-mark.
Sources claimed the Centre is giving due weightage to the concerns expressed by the States.
But Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take a final call after considering all aspects and holding discussions with experts, sources informed.
States are to abide by whatever decision the Prime Minister takes, sources added.
Meanwhile, an informal group of ministers (GoM) on COVID-19 headed by defence minister Rajnath Singh discussed measures to enable operations in the farming sector.
Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video-conference with chief ministers last week, at least seven states, including Maharashtra with the maximum number of cases (868) so far, have indicated that they would continue to have some restrictions in place after the three-week period.
The chief ministers had conveyed to the Prime Minister that they would prefer to take some steps to revive the farming and manufacturing sector.
The Centre had also signalled that there could be a ‘staggered exit’ from the lockdown while continuing curbs in areas identified as hotspots, according to reports.
Government sources said there would be clarity on the situation only after April 10, once testing is stepped up and results show the outbreak’s trajectory.
