Punjab CM Favours Lockdown Extension, Seeks Fiscal Support to States

Chandigarh, May 11 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday pitched for the extension of the coronavirus lockdown, but with a carefully crafted exit strategy providing fiscal support to states.

In a video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Punjab CM said in view of ‘escalating' virus cases, continuation of the lockdown was needed.

He said states should be given greater flexibility in micro-planning.

The decision on designating red, orange/yellow and green zones should be left to the states, which are more cognizant of the ground realities, he said.

The exit strategy should consider and focus on fiscal and economic empowerment of the states, which are responsible for real action directly impinging upon the livelihood and social health of the common man, said the chief minister.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)