R. ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, APRIL 13
Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Monday announced the extension of lockdown in Tamil Nadu till April 30 and said the move was taken based on the recommendations of medical, public health experts and the deliberations at the cabinet meeting held on Saturday.
The decision on extension of lockdown was taken amidst accusations of opposition leader M.K. Stalin and Makkal Needhi Maiam Katchi Chief and Actor Kamal Hassan questioned whether the Chief Minister is waiting for his Master’s voice (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) when other state CMs take autonomous call on lockdown. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Tuesday morning and is expected to extend the lockdown.
The Chief Minister said that he had favoured prolonging the lockdown till the end of this month in a video-conference with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi held on Saturday. Many of his counterparts in other states had also batted for extending the restrictions in the fight against coronavirus.
While other state CMs take an autonomous call on lockdown, What are you waiting for, my Honourable CM? Your Master's voice?
My voice is of the People and from them. Wake up sir while you sit, still in your chair.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) April 12, 2020
Based on the deliberations in a meeting with the Prime Minister and tune with the recommendations of an expert committee, public health experts and the World Health Organisation, and as per the Cabinet decision, the “lockdown is extended till April 30 as per CrPC and the Disaster Management Act 2005,” a release from the Chief Minister said.
ஊரடங்கு, முன்னெச்சரிக்கை நடவடிக்கைகள், ஆய்வுகள், இதற்கிடைப்பட்ட காலத்தில் உரிய நிவாரணம்; இவையாவும் தீர ஆராய்ந்து, நிபுணர் குழுக்களின் ஆலோசனைகளோடு முடிவு செய்யப்பட வேண்டியவை!@CMOTamilNadu மத்தியரசின் ஆணைகாக காத்திருந்தால், மக்களின் வாழ்வும் வாழ்வாதாரமும் கடுமையாக பாதிக்கப்படும். pic.twitter.com/yuCXxcb9IB
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) April 12, 2020
Essentials to rice ration cardholders free in May too
As the lockdown has been extended till April 30, the essentials like 20 kg rice, one kg sugar, one kg toor dal and a kg of cooking oil will be issued to all ration cardholders who are eligible to draw rice in May also, the release added.
Rs 1,000 for all workers, including construction workers
Rs. 1,000 relief for construction workers and others registered with labour welfare boards will be given during May.
Migrant labourers to get free essentials
Like April, the migrant labourers from other states will be given essentials free of cost through ration shops.
Bakeries to remain open from 6 am to 1 pm
Considering the appeals received from various organisations and people, the government has decided to allow bakeries to function from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., but takeaways only will be allowed like hotels.
Telemedicine facilities for Chennai residents
Medical experts registered with Telemedicine Society of India will be allowed to give consultation to the residents of Chennai Corporation regarding Coronavirus, the Chief Minister said.
CM invokes Jaya in his appeal
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government was following the footsteps of late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa in safeguarding every citizen and family in the state, hence, appealed the people to stay indoors and stay safe and extend cooperation to the government’s efforts in its fight against COVID-19, the statement said.
