Mumbai, Apr 18 () Maharashtra Deputy Chief MinisterAjit Pawar on Saturday said the state's economy will be givenmomentum in phases during the COVID-19 lockdown, which willremain effective till May 3.
Pawar's remark comes a day after Chief Minister UddhavThackeray announced that some industrial and commercialactivities will resume from April 20, in keeping with thenorms put in place to fight the pandemic.
In an official statement, Pawar said the railway andmetro services will remain non-operational, while publicevents and outdoor celebration of festivals will also not beallowed during the lockdown.
"The lockdown will be observed strictly. But at thesame time, permission has been granted in a limited manner inkeeping with COVID-19 guidelines to ensure that essentialservices remain uninterrupted, farming-related activitiesbegin on time and to give stimuli to the economy," he said.
The supply of essential commodities will remainuninterrupted during this period, the NCP leader said, addingthat hospitals, pharmacies, pathology centres and ambulanceservices will also remain functional.
No restrictions were imposed on agriculture and alliedactivities and permissions were granted on condition thatprecautions are taken, the Deputy Chief Minister said.
The government will purchase tur dal, gram and cotton,while dairy, fisheries and MNREGA works have also beenpermitted to resume, he said.
Although anganwadis will remain shut during thelockdown, nutritious meals will be delivered to children attheir homes, he said.
"Schools and colleges will remain shut during thelockdown, but educational institutions have been asked toencourage virtual schooling," he added.
Pawar said although banks and other financialinstitutions continue to function, citizens should notcongregate there and observe social distancing.
"Everyone should cooperate with (authorities duringthe) lockdown to win the battle against coronavirus in thestate... stay home, stay safe," he urged. ENMARU ARU
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