Exclusive: PM Modi may announce Lockdown 5.0 on Mann Ki Baat, ease restrictions in most of India

Prime Minister Modi is likely to speak on Lockdown 5.0 after the current lockdown ends on May 31. PM Modi will address the nation on May 31 in his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat.

HIGHLIGHTS

• PM Modi is likely to speak on Lockdown 5.0 on May 31
• Modi will be addressing the nation on his radio programme
• Lockdown 5.0 will mainly focus on 11 cities, ease restrictions in other parts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to speak on the next phase of lockdown from June 1 that may come into force after Lockdown 4.0 ends on May 31.

PM Modi will be addressing the nation on May 31 on his radio programme Mann Ki Baat. It is also the last day of Lockdown 4.0 and sources say PM Modi may throw some light on Lockdown 5.0.

Sources said PM Modi in his address will emphasise on the lockdown spirit and also announce measures on easing of restrictions in most parts of the country.

LOCKDOWN 5.0 TO FOCUS ON 11 CITIES

According to home ministry sources, Lockdown 5.0 will mainly focus on 11 cities with 70 per cent of the total coronavirus cases in India.

Lockdown 5.0 from June 1 is expected to focus on the prominent cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Thane, Indore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Surat and Kolkata.

The most-affected cities that have contributed 60 per cent of the total 1.51 lakh coronavirus cases in the country so far are Ahmedabad, Delhi, Pune, Kolkata and Mumbai.

Centre had earlier prepared a list of 30 municipal corporation areas which is said to account for 80 per cent of the country’s total coronavirus cases.

EASING OF RESTRICTIONS

The Centre may also consider allowing religious places to be reopened in Lockdown 5.0 but with certain conditions, which will mean no religious events can be conducted in this period, including fairs and festivals. There will be no mass congregations. Wearing a mask and social distancing will also be made mandatory in religious places.

Karnataka government has requested PM Modi for the reopening of all religious places from June 1 and written a letter to the PMO.

After salons were allowed to reopen in Lockdown 4.0 guidelines, now gyms may also be allowed to be open in all zones except containment zones.

However, no educational institutes will be allowed to open, including schools and colleges. Malls and cinema halls are also likely to remain shut in the coming days.

Marriages and funerals will continue to witness a limited number of guests.