Image Source: CNBC TV18

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a fresh round of consultation with chief ministers on ways to strengthen the COVID-19 containment strategy and stepping up of economic activities in a calibrated manner as the 54-day nationwide lockdown nears an end. This is Modi's fifth such meeting with the state heads. The nationwide lockdown has been in force since March 25 to contain the spread of the virus, which has killed more than 2,200 people and afflicted more than 67,000 in the country. Home Minister Amit Shah made the opening remarks in the meeting, according to people in the know. The Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy suggested the government should work towards removing the social stigma attached to COVID-19 patients. He also sought relaxations in lockdown due to the economic stress it is causing. Meanwhile, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee asked the Centre to have faith in states and not to "indulge in politics" at this crucial time. It is noteworthy that at a meeting on Sunday with Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, state chief secretaries told him that "while protection is required from COVID-19, economic activities also need to be stepped up in a calibrated manner", according to an official statement.