Situation in country like 'social emergency', says PM; Tells floor leaders lockdown cannot be lifted in one go

Likening the situation in the country to a social emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday made it clear that the nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19 cannot be lifted in one go on April 14, asserting that the priority of his government is to "save each and every life".

Interacting with floor leaders of opposition and other parties in Parliament via video conferencing to discuss the coronavirus pandemic and the government's efforts to mitigate the hardships due to the lockdown, the prime minister said the country is facing "serious economic challenges as a result of COVID-19, and the government is committed to overcoming them."
The DMK leader also told reporters in Chennai that he asked Modi to "drop the (building a new Parliament) move as it was unnecessary at this juncture. The nation would require huge funds to combat Covid-19 pandemic."