Kejriwal seeks inputs from Delhiites on road ahead after May 17

Kejriwal noted lockdown cannot be ended completely as coronavirus is spreading

arvind kejriwal pti Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal | PTI

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday invited suggestions from Delhiites on what should be the road ahead after May 17, when the current phase of the COVID-19 lockdown comes to an end, even as he made it clear that the restrictions cannot be removed completely in view of the spread of the disease in the capital.

“I want to ask the people of Delhi for their suggestions (on what should be done after May 17). At the moment, corona is spreading and hence lockdown cannot be ended completely. I am seeking your suggestions on how much relaxation can be given in what kind of areas, whether buses and Metro can be resumed, whether autos and taxis can ply, if schools, markets and industrial areas can reopen,” Kejriwal said.

Kejriwal said that the Centre has sought suggestions from the states on what should be the strategy with regard to relaxing the lockdown after May 17. These suggestions have to be sent by May 15 and the Centre will decide on the next course of action based on the states' inputs.

Kejriwal has asked the people of Delhi to send their suggestions by 5pm on Wednesday. He said the government will also discuss the situation with experts and doctors, and send its views, on behalf of the denizens, to the Centre on May 14.

Delhiites can send their messages either through recorded messages on the number 1031, or through WhatsApp on the number 8800007722 or via email at the address delhicm.suggestions@gmail.com.

In the prime minister's meeting with chief ministers on Monday, Kejriwal is learnt to have put forth the view that not all of Delhi should be considered to be in the Red Zone. According to sources, he said that the greater relaxations should be allowed outside containment zones. The Delhi government is keen to restart economic activities in Delhi, with loss of livelihood as also the emptying of the state's coffers and a major shortfall in revenue posing a stiff challenge.

In his digital press conference on Tuesday, Kejriwal said that even if relaxations are made in the lockdown post May 17, social distancing will have to be strictly maintained and people will have to wear masks compulsorily. “We have to protect ourselves from corona and at the same time maintain the health of the economy,” he said.

Kejriwal, meanwhile, announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the next of kin of a schoolteacher who passed away on May 4 after contracting COVID-19 while being on duty at a hunger relief centre where meals were being distributed to the poor.

He said that for the second month in a row, his government is transferring Rs 5,000 to the accounts of construction workers.