Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday, 5 April, said that the lockdown imposed to stem the coronavirus spread will be lifted on 15 April but cautioned that a mechanism should be evolved to avoid crowding or else all efforts will go in vain.
In a video-conference with the state's Members of Parliament, the chief minister also sought their suggestions for a smooth movement of people and restoration of services after the lockdown.
"So, I want that we evolve a mechanism, and for this, I would invite your suggestions," he said.
He asked MPs and ministers to keep a watch in their respective areas so that people do not face problems during the lockdown.
The UP chief minister said suggestions from people's representatives would help our government to formulate proper strategies, the UP government said in a statement issued.
He said it would be decided only after the suggestions of where and how much relaxation should be given in the first phase. Suggestions were also sought on which organisations should be given how much exemptions, the statement said.
The CM appealed to all MPs and ministers to contribute Rs 1 crore each from MP/MLA funds as well as one-month salary of MLAs to the Uttar Pradesh COVID Care Fund, the statement said.
Meanwhile, another statement issued in the evening said that Adityanath has donated one month's salary and Rs 1 crore from his MLA fund to the UP Covid Care Fund. The chief minister said BSP Chief Mayawati has also appealed to her legislators to contribute to this fund.
Adityanath informed that this fund would help in expanding the capacity of medical colleges and district level hospitals.
Apart from this, he also called on the general population to contribute to this fund.
The UP chief minister said a decision has been taken to give Rs 1,000 to petty vendors, labourers, e-rickshaw drivers, rickshaw-pullers and daily wagers across the state.
"The decision has been taken to transfer this amount directly to their accounts," he said. For those not having any ration card or bank account, Adityanath appealed to MPs and ministers to identify such people and get their bank accounts opened and also get Rs 1,000 transferred in their accounts.
Apart from this, Adityanath said about 3.50 lakh workers do not have ration cards nor they have bank accounts. Such people should also be identified and it should be ensured that they get ration cards and their bank accounts are opened.
All public representatives should cooperate for this work in every district, he said.
He said the MPs praised the chief minister for the good work done by the state government. "We are doing all our work, while adhering to the lockdown," he said.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)