PM Narendra Modi likely to address nation over lockdown end date

New Delhi : PM Narendra Modi is likely to address the nation for one more time to announce his decision on whether the lockdown should be extended or not. The address is likely after he meets the CMs of different states via video conference on Saturday.

It is expected that the lockdown will be extended in India but with many changes this time. The borders across the states will remain locked, with an exemption on vehicles for special services. The schools and colleges will also remain close till the lockdown period.

Keeping an eye on the massive economic fallout, some sectors are likely to get an exemption in the fresh lockdown announcement. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has said in its monetary policy report that the outlook for India's economic recovery has been sharply altered by the coronavirus outbreak.

It has been learned that the airlines operations will also be restored with new guidelines like the middle seat will have to be mandatorily kept vacant during the air travel.

Officials say the outbreak in India is concentrated in about 75 of more than 600 districts, which will help the government manage the crisis better.

Recently, during a video conference with the leaders of all parties on Wednesday, PM Modi had said that lifting of lockdown is not possible.

"The priority of the government is to save each and every life. The situation in the country is akin to a 'social emergency', it has necessitated tough decisions and we must continue to remain vigilant," said the PM, according to political leaders who participated in the interaction.