Lockdown in Rajasthan will not be withdrawn altogether on the completion of the 21 day period on 14 April, said the Chief Minister of Rajasthan in his address to media today. Rajasthan was the first state to have imposed a complete lockdown for 10 days on 21 March. This was later merged with the nationwide Lockdown announced on 24 March by Prime Minister Modi.

He was responding to questions on managing supply of food grains to the economically weaker strata of society and while answering a question on the lockdown, he made this statement.  He reiterated that the government machinery was adhering to the Public Distribution System (PDS) when managing the distribution of food grains.

Discussing on the 21 day lockdown instructed by the Central Government all across the nation, Ashok Gehlot said that a 21 day lockdown is a very long time. The poor, labour, MNREGA workers, non salaried lower middle class, are becoming the worst affected.

The Chief Minister, on being asked to address the opening of the lockdown, said that the lockdown will not be opened immediately in Rajasthan. He said that the government will take into consideration the economic consequences and the continuity of the social distancing model for some more time.  However, the time to take the decision has yet not come, and when a decision is taken, it will be for the benefit of society primarily.  He reiterated that economy issues notwithstanding, health and life are of prime concern at this point in time.

There are 40 Curfew areas in Rajasthan, among which Bhilwara, Jaipur and Jhunjhunu are the worst affected.  SMEs, shops, small businesses are the worst affected and closure of factories are taking their toll on the livelihood of the labour and construction workers.  Rajasthan added 24 new positives to its tally today. 10 people were tested positive in a day in Kota.

He said that subsequent to the discussions the Prime Minister had with the state and UT heads, two task forces were set up. One will look at the smooth and gradual opening of he nationwide lockdown in phases and the other will look at maintaining the balance in the economy and bringing it back on track.  A blueprint for opening the lockdown will be in place.