Punjab government extends curfew/lockdown in the state till May 1
Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday unanimously approved the extension of curfew/lockdown in the state till May 1. Punjab Chief Secretary KBS Sidhu stated that "Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh seeks cooperation of the people of Punjab in relentless campaign against Coronavirus."
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Council of Ministers, chaired by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, to check community spread of the pandemic and to prevent overcrowding at the Mandis in the light of the ensuing wheat harvesting/procurement season.
Captain Amarinder will convey the decision to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Saturday’s conference with the chief ministers, according to an official spokesperson. Chief Minister said the curfew restrictions were essential so that the medical infrastructure is not burdened beyond its capabilities. There was general consensus in the medical community that the lockdown curbs would only delay the spread of the disease, he said, hoping that some medication/cure would be found soon.
The Council of Ministers also decided to set up a multi-disciplinary task force to formulate an exit strategy for gradual relaxation of curfew/lockdown. The task force will submit its report within 10 days. The task force will about 15 members representing trade, business, industry, agriculture, civil society and health care professionals. The Chief Minister has been authorized to decide on the composition of the task force.
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The Cabinet also approved establishment of a high-powered committee to suggest a road map for State's economic revival in post-COVID era once the crisis softens and normal working is restored. Captain Amarinder said he will request former Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Ahluwalia to head the committee.
-PTC News
