Uddhav Thackeray said the COVID-19 threat still persists despite the relaxations.
Mumbai:
Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray said on Wednesday that the COVID-19 threat remains, although restrictions have been partially relaxed to allow resumption of activities and other activities.
Urging people to avoid overcrowding and to maintain physical distance after the relaxation of interlock standards as part of “Mission Begin”, he reiterated his request to resume commuter train services in Mumbai for staff movement assigned to essential services.
Thackeray has suggested that the coronavirus-induced lockout, which is in effect until June 30, will need to be extended if the guidelines are not strictly followed by the public.
Speaking at a press conference after a meeting of the State Legislative’s Business Advisory Committee (BAC), he said the foreclosures have been eased because economic activities must resume because “now we have to learn to live with the virus. “
“The viral threat persists but we have to start economic activities. Outdoor physical activity has been allowed for your good health and not spoil it,” he said, referring to reports of people hurrying on the roads after the restrictions have been relaxed.
The chief minister has said that people should follow the coronavirus protocols for their own good.
“The lock-up will have to continue if this (non-compliance with standards) occurs. But I am confident that people will listen to government rules and directives as it takes care of their well-being,” he said. .
Thackeray said he demanded that commuter train services resume in Mumbai to allow people on essential service to commute.
“Even now, many of them cannot travel due to the lack of transportation,” he said.
The chief minister rejected reports in a media section on friction between ministers and bureaucrats at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
“It is not true,” he said.
Thackeray said the monsoon session of the legislature will now take place from August 3 instead of the earlier planned June 22, a decision that comes in the context of the increase in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, where the infection count has exceeded 90,000.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was also present at the press conference, said that the government was considering a proposal to provide concrete houses to people whose houses were destroyed in Cyclone “ Nisarga ” that hit coastal districts of the state last week.
“We are examining whether it can be done as part of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana,” said Mr. Pawar, who also owns the financial portfolio.
He said that for houses damaged by the cyclone, compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh will be granted by the government, while those affected will also receive Rs 10,000 in cash.
In addition, compensation of Rs 50,000 per hectare will be granted for agricultural losses, said Pawar.
Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat said the losses were minimal because the administration was alerted before the cyclone hit Raigad district on June 3.
