Telangana Lockdown Extension: KCR said the testing rate in Telangana is better than the national average
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has announced extension of the coronavirus lockdown till May 7. He said the lockdown will be enforced in a stringent manner, and the food delivery mobile applications will not be allowed starting Monday.
"The cabinet has decided to extend the lockdown in the state till May 7. The cabinet will take stock of the situation on May 5," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week extended the lockdown by over two weeks till May 3 after requests from the states.
Mr Rao informed that the number of coronavirus cases in the state is 858, including 21 deaths. Four districts - Warangal, Yadradri Bhadradri, Siddipet, Wanaparthy - are coronavirus-free, adding, "We are doing better than many other states".
He said the testing rate in Telangana is better than the national average. "There is less mortality too," Mr Rao said.
"The government will provide 12 kg ration and Rs 1,500 to 87 lakh ration card holders for a second month. The migrant labourers who have families in Telangana will also get Rs 1,500 and 12 kg ration," the Chief Minister said.
The cabinet has approved a 10 per cent increase in the basic pay of police personnel, he said. For electricity department staff, full pay has been restored.
The centre last week announced that it would allow some construction activities and industrial operations in rural areas from April 20. Offices of Government of India and offices of states and union territories, private vehicles for emergency services, e-commerce companies selling essential goods; courier services, MNREGA works and financial sector will also be allowed to function, it had said.
Mr Rao, however, said the restrictions will not eased in the state.
"If the centre is giving any relaxation from April 20, the state cabinet has decided that no relaxation will be given in Telangana. Swiggy and Zomato will not be allowed in the state to function from tomorrow," he said.
The Chief Minister instructed that private schools will not increase fees this year and only tution fees may be collected monthly. Pensioners for whom a 50 per cent cut was earlier announced, are to be given 75 per cent of their pay. Landlords have also been told that they cannot ask for house rent for three months.
(With inputs from ANI)