PM Modi announced extension of anti-COVID lockdown till Apr 30: Mamata Banerjee confirms

"Prime Minister announced the extension of the lockdown in the meeting," Banerjee said and added, "So lockdown will continue in our state as well."

"Markets will be remain open as per the norms," she clarified. 

As the lockdown is set to continue, Banerjee said all educational institutions in the state will remain shut till Jun 10. 

After the conclusion of the meeting on Saturday, Modi reportedly told the state Chief Ministers that he felt the extension of lockdown was necessary for few more weeks.

"I am available 24/7," Modi told the Chief Ministers as media reported.

Hinting at a possible extension of the lockdown, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal following the meeting with Modi tweeted, "PM has taken correct decision to extend lockdown. Today, India’s position is better than many developed countries because we started lockdown early. If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost. To consolidate, it is imp to extend it."

Banerjee said six more positive cases were reported in her state in last 24 hours taking the tally to 95. 

Revealing details about the meeting with Modi, Banerjee said she has urged the Centre to clear the outstanding Gross Domestic Product (GDP) worth Rs. 2,393 crore. 

The Chief Minister further said she has asked the Centre to create a package of Rs. 10 lakh crore for all states. "Without the package, it is tough to manage so much expenditure. There is no income right now for the state," she said. 

"The Prime Minister has listened. Thanks to him. He said he would take 2-3 days to look into it," the Chief Minister added. 

Meanwhile, Banerjee has asked Kolkata's Commissioner of Police (CP) Anuj Sharma to ensure all transgender people, women in the red-light area have an access to food supply. 

Though reports were doing the rounds that the West Bengal government has identified some Coronavirus hotspots in the state, Banerjee refuted the claims saying her state is only idenitifying and sanitizing areas from where positive COVID-19 cases were reported. 

Almost all states except Madhya Pradesh have asked the Prime Minister to extend the 21-day nationwide lockdown which is due to end on Apr 14 midnight.

However, the states are also considering the massive impact on economy as the business in close to the last three weeks went for a toss leading the daily wagers to suffer.

In West Bengal, which is the eastern state of the country, small traders missed the opportunity to earn big during an annual sale period (known as Chaitra Sale) ahead of the Bengali New Year as the entire business is under lockdown since Mar 25.

(Image Credit: IBNS File)