Decision on lockdown to be based on consensus

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take a call on whether to extend the lockdown beyond April 14 or lift it partially based on political consensus, after getting reports from states and having a discussion with chief ministers, officials told ET.

The central government is expecting to get the reports from states with their recommendations on Friday, ahead of the PM’s meeting with chief ministers on Saturday.

Most states, like Rajasthan, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh, have formed task forces to deliberate on the issue, and are expected to officially inform the Centre about their views by Friday.

“The main issue and concern is the harvesting season. The rabi crop is ready and interstate transport of the same will be needed. States need to come up with a plan if a partial relief from the lockdown is to be considered,” a government official told ET, while adding that this option was not off the table.

The Prime Minister’s Office is most concerned about the situation in three states — Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana — which are reporting nearly half the total fresh cases in the country daily.