‘Saving the economy is equally important’: No lockdown, assures Kejriwal

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday allayed fears that the federal government could implement one other lockdown as coronavirus illness (Covid-19) instances surge within the capital, saying saving the economic system is equally vital as preventing Covid-19 whilst he known as an all-party assembly to debate the pandemic state of affairs within the metropolis.

Kejriwal had mentioned on Tuesday that he has sought permission from the central authorities to permit the Delhi authorities to briefly shut down markets, that are assessed as potential Covid-19 scorching spots occasionally resulting from rampant violation of social distancing norms and different Covid-19 laws. The CM mentioned that his determination shouldn’t be seen as a transfer to implement “lockdown”.

A day earlier, Delhi well being minister Satyendar Jain had mentioned {that a} lockdown was out of the query.

Under the present tips, states want the approval of the Union residence ministry for imposing any native lockdown-like restrictions.

The file regarding the Delhi authorities’s proposal was despatched to the workplace of Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Anil Baijal and later forwarded by him to the Union residence ministry. A response from the Centre is awaited, mentioned a senior authorities official.

“It should not be called a lockdown. For the next few days, we will observe the situation on the ground, especially violation of Covid-19 regulations and assess if any particular market can turn into a hot spot. It is not that we are shutting down markets. Saving economy is equally important for us as fighting against Covid-19. We will try all means. We will not close any market unless it is extremely necessary. As of now, we have only sought permission,” Kejriwal mentioned.

Also Read: Delhi logs 131 Covid deaths, highest single-day fatality depend until date; 7,486 new instances

Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia additionally weighed in. He mentioned, “We believe the solution to Covid-19 is in better management of healthcare resources and not in a lockdown. We have done our best in terms of healthcare management so far and we would continue our efforts. If needed, regulations would be increased in some markets. We have sought permission for that from the Centre. It should not be seen as a lockdown.”

While the Delhi authorities is but to chalk out the modalities on this regard, Kejriwal’s announcement has led to concern amongst merchants.

Brijesh Goyal, president of the chamber of commerce and business, mentioned: “Due to the news of the lockdown in Delhi and the closure of the Delhi markets, there has been restlessness among the traders of Delhi. We convened a video conference today with more than 200 trader bodies and they opined that there should be no lockdown in Delhi nor should any market be closed.”

Praveen Khandelwal, nationwide secretary-general of the confederation of all India merchants, mentioned: “The Delhi CM did not consider it appropriate to talk to the traders of Delhi before sending yesterday a proposal to the central government, seeking permission to close the Delhi markets. It is a unilateral decision of Delhi CM which has caused a lot of resentment among the traders. The fast-spreading Covid-19 epidemic in Delhi is a matter of concern and the trading community is more eager to play an active role. But certainly at this stage instead of temporary solutions, an effective and comprehensive strategy is required.”

On Wednesday, the Delhi authorities issued a discover for an all-party assembly within the mild of the Covid-19 state of affairs within the Capital, mentioned a senior authorities official.

Delhi on Wednesday recorded 7,486 new Covid-19 instances and 131 extra deaths, mentioned the federal government’s well being bulletin.

Also Read: ‘Measures being taken to address shortage in number of ICU beds’: Kejriwal

“The chief minister has desired to convene an all-party meeting of major political parties,” mentioned a discover issued by the extra secretary to the CM. Government spokespersons, nonetheless, didn’t elaborate on the agenda.

The assembly is scheduled at 11 am within the premises of the Delhi Secretariat.

Leader of Opposition in Delhi Legislative Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri mentioned, “No further decision should be taken till the all-party meeting is convened on Thursday.”

Bidhuri, a BJP MLA, additional mentioned that he has written to the L-G, urging him to postpone the implementation of the cap of 50 company in wedding-related gatherings, and likewise requested him to delay the proposal relating to markets.

Chaudhary Anil Kumar, president of Delhi Congress, mentioned, “The Congress will participate in the all-party meeting and submit suggestions that would contribute to the fight against Covid-19.”