India's COVID-19 battle example of cooperative federalism: PM tells CMs

Addressing the chief ministers and Lt Governors of 21 states and Union Territories, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (June 16) said the recovery rate of patients from the novel coronavirus has gone above 50 per cent in India.

“Two weeks have passed since Unlock-1, our experience during this time could be beneficial for us in future. Today I will get to know ground reality from you, your suggestions will help in chalking out future strategy,” he said.

The two-day virtual meet comes as the country witnesses an unabated spike in coronavirus cases.

In his sixth interaction with the chief ministers since the outbreak of the deadly virus, PM Modi said the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has not been that huge in India as compared to other parts of the world.

“In the past few weeks, thousands of Indians returned to India from abroad & hundreds of migrant workers reached their hometowns. Almost all modes of transport have resumed operations, still COVID-19 impact has not been that huge in India as in other parts of the world,” he said.

Related news: COVID-19: Modi to hold video meeting with CMs on Tuesday, Wednesday

India registered over 10,000 COVID-19 cases for the fifth day in a row pushing the tally to 3,43,091 on Tuesday, while the death toll rose to 9,900 with 380 new fatalities.

“For us the death of even a single Indian is unsettling but it is also true that India is one of the countries where there have been the least number of coronavirus-related deaths,” he added.

Reiterating the importance of maintaining social distance and wearing face masks while stepping out in public, the prime minister said, “To even think of stepping out without a mask or face cover is not ideal in the present circumstances. ‘Do gaj ki doori’, hand-washing and use of sanitisers is of utmost importance. With markets opening and people stepping out, these precautions are even more important.”

“When India’s fight against the COVID-19 will be analysed in the future, this time will be remembered for how we worked together and served as an example of cooperative federalism,” he added.

Giving an insight about the economy, PM Modi said, “Because of the efforts made in the last few weeks, green shoots have begun to be visible in our economy.”

Chief ministers of Punjab, Kerala, Goa, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and those of the northeastern states among others are talking part in the meet. LGs and administrators of some union territories are also attending Tuesday’s brainstorming session.

Related news: Need plan to ensure staggered movement after lockdown: PM tells CMs

On Wednesday (June 17), Modi will interact with chief ministers of 15 states and the LG of Jammu and Kashmir.

These are the states where coronavirus cases are on a much higher side and include Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Based on suggestions made by the states, under “Unlock 1” several relaxations were made for public and businesses to ensure that economic activities hit by the lockdown gather momentum.

But this has given rise to fear that it may trigger an increase in new cases.

Modi had on Saturday reviewed the steps being taken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in areas with high case load and the road map for effective management of the situation.