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Economy

PM Modi speaks to CMs: States seek GST compensation dues, divided on lockdown exit plans

Updated : May 11, 2020 10:32 PM IST

Almost all states pitched for opening up of economic activities to help get their finances back on track.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a fresh round of consultation with chief ministers on ways to strengthen the COVID-19 containment strategy and stepping up of economic activities in a calibrated manner as the 54-day nationwide lockdown nears an end. This is Modi's fifth such meeting with the state heads.

The nationwide lockdown has been in force since March 25 to contain the spread of the virus, which has killed more than 2,200 people and afflicted more than 67,000 in the country.

Home Minister Amit Shah made the opening remarks in the meeting. Almost all states, according to sources, expressed financial distress and sought the release of GST compensation dues by the Centre.

Here is what various states suggested to PM Modi:

CNBC-TV18 has learnt that the Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy suggested the government should work towards removing the social stigma attached to COVID-19 patients. He also sought relaxations in lockdown due to the economic stress it is causing.

Maharastra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, according to the people in the know, expressed the state's precarious situation - being stuck between lockdown and starting manufacturing to support finances. He, however, expressed reluctance in removing the lockdown as of now. Thackerey also suggested that local trains be allowed to run for government employees and health workers.

Meanwhile, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee asked the Centre to have faith in states and not to "indulge in politics" at this crucial time.

Punjab chief minister Amrinder Singh had a few interesting suggestions. He tweeted them saying states should have flexibility in micro-planning and the decision on designating the red, orange/yellow and green zones. He also suggested that the Centre should declare minimum support price for paddy early with an additional bonus for stubble management.

In our meeting with PM @NarendraModi Ji , I proposed that the center should consider empowering state fiscally & economically. States should have flexibility in micro-planning & the decision on designating the red, orange/yellow and green zones should be left to us. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/sbqjzaOTiI
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) May 11, 2020

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao suggested to the Centre that train movement, both shramik trains and passenger trains, be stopped to contain COVID-19 spread.

Tamil Nadu made a request on similar lines and is likely to have demanded a Rs 9,000 crore relief package, according to sources. It is also learnt that it has not requested for an extension in the lockdown, which is scheduled to conclude on May 17, despite the state’s tally of COVID-19 cases numbering 7,200.

The Rajasthan government, according to sources, asked the Centre to come up with a special scheme for social security of the poor. The state CM stressed that a plan is needed for especially for the urban poor since there is no MGNREGA for them.

Delhi chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal reiterated his suggestion that only containment zones should be labelled as red zones to avoid confusion. He also asked the Centre to start releasing pending funds to the states. This demand was echoed by the Assam, Punjab and some other chief ministers too.

According to sources, Kerala pitched for opening up of metro facility in green zones. The state chief minister, Pinarayi Vijayan asked the Centre to consider norms for disinfecting vehicles at inter-state borders before the opening commute. Vijayan was also in favour of graded opening up of air and rail travel.

Goa meanwhile gave a report card on industrial activities. The chief minister said that apart from tourism, all other activities have started in the state.

CNBC-TV18 has learnt that the Assam government has warned the Centre about the opening of interstate movement hastily.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu has praised the joint effort shown by the seven north-east states in combatting the pandemic and successfully keeping the number of infected under check.

The entire Northeastern states are working closely and as a team to collectively fight #coronavirus. I am particularly thankful to Assam CM @sarbanandsonwal Ji and health Minister @himantabiswa Ji for they have been very helpful in our fight against #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/rk58hTvPOE
— Pema Khandu (@PemaKhanduBJP) May 11, 2020

It is noteworthy that at a meeting on Sunday with Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, state chief secretaries told him that "while protection is required from COVID-19, economic activities also need to be stepped up in a calibrated manner", according to an official statement.

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