As the second phase of the nationwide lockdown is nearing to end, states are preparing to ease some norms in line with the Centre’s guidelines.
Some states are charting plans to allow industries and businesses to function, except in containment zones.
Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa said that the state will allow industries to function in all areas except containment zones from the May 4.
Punjab, which has become the first state to extend the lockdown by two more weeks, has also announced some relaxations. It has allowed industries which could take care of their labour to restart work. Most shops have also been allowed to operate during the four hour curfew relaxation window. However, that comes with a set of riders.
Ensuring the return of stranded migrant workers and students to their home states is also on the top of the agenda for state governments. In fact, Maharashtra has already come up with a set of guidelines to facilitate the movement. People who opt for it will be screened and only those who don’t show symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza will be allowed to leave.
Home ministry on Wednesday announced that new guidelines to fight COVID-19 will come into effect from May 4, which shall give considerable relaxations to many districts.
To discuss about the lockdown relaxations further, CNBC-TV18 spoke to TS Singh Deo, health minister of Chhattisgarh, Manpreet Badal, finance minister of Punjab and Jagadish Shettar, industries minister of Karnataka.