PM Narendra Modi discussion on COVID-19 situation with CMs

[Kool_SRG]

Punjab seeks releases of GST arrears

Flagging the fund crunch in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh once again on Monday sought the release of GST arrears of over Rs 4,000 crore from the Centre, reports PTI. In a written submission to the Union government, the Punjab chief minister also demanded a grant due to meet the revenue deficit caused by the coronavirus outbreak.  In a letter, he urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to allow the opening of small shops, businesses and industries in all areas, except the containment zones, with full compliance of COVID prevention measures. 

 

The Punjab CM made the submission as only nine CMs were selected to speak to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a video-conference on Monday.

[Kool_SRG]

Lockdown exit plan: What PM Modi told state CMs on Monday: Highlights

• During Today's meeting with the chief ministers of various states, PM Modi asked them to prepare state-wise exit policy in view of their Red, orange & Green zones
• PM indicated that lockdown may continue in hotspots or red zone areas
• PM says that one should not worry about the state of economy, which is relatively good
• "We have to give importance to the economy as well as continue the fight against COVID-19," PM Modi said during his virtual meet with the CMs
• Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik asked for a month's extension of the lockdown
• At least four CMs have advocated for the extension of lockdown while others suggested staggered exit with different levels of restrictions
• Gujarat CM briefed the centre about their testing-treatment mechanism
• Haryana CM briefed the centre about the step taken to help farmers in Mandi
• Bihar CM Nitish Kumar asked for a policy to bring stranded students from Kota and other states. He also asked for health check-up of all migrant laborers
• According to Delhi CM, situation is still challenging, but final decision will be taken in next few days
• CMs provided theirs feedbacks, suggested measures to meet the economic challenges and boost health infrastructure