Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his video interaction with the state heads across the nation in his all party meeting, said that by all accounts, lifting of the nationwide lockdown is not possible on the earlier scheduled date, i.e. 14 April.

Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar said that while there is still time to the end of the 21 day lockdown, the PMO is considering the state wise proposal and a decision in national interest would be taken at the appropriate time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reportedly told leaders in his VC today, that life will not be the same again after COVID-19. There will be a pre-Corona and post-Corona for times to come. He added that there will be substantial behavioral, social and personal changes.

Speaking on the government’s perspective, the PM said that it is the priority of the government to save each and every life. The country is going through a social as well as medical emergency. Tough decision and being vigilant is the need of the hour.

While the lifting of the lockdown in one go is out of question, a second meeting with the state heads as well as stake holders will decide on the outcome.  Restrictions will not be lifted in one go as there is a spurt in cases across the country, and many experts as well as state heads have requested an extension due to increase in positive cases and warnings that the infection could peak in the coming weeks.

However, the economic crisis, resulting in a humanitarian concern for lakhs of workers, the fear of increasing unemployment and the strain on businesses will increase the pressure on the government to re-open the third largest economy in Asia. Corona hotspots might be completely sealed off from the rest of the country and there might be an ease in restrictions in other parts of the country.

Suggestions have come pouring in that schools, colleges and religious centres should remain shut.  With Ramazan around the corner, the administration should implement a strict lockdown on gathering in and around community masjids.

It is further unlikely that rail travel, buses and metros or religious gatherings be allowed anywhere in the country for at least a couple of months.

The number of cases in coronavirus hit states is increasing on a daily basis. State heads of Telangana, Rajasthan and the BJP ruled UP have indicated a bent towards extension of the lockdown in the interest of the health of the nation.  The nation will take a hit on the economy, but at this point it was more important to save lives.

Mumbai has decided to extend the lockdown at least till April 30, three senior officials in the metropolis administration communicated. The authorities are in the race to expand testing and stem the spread of COVID-19 in the city.