All Districts Across Karnataka to be under Lockdown till April 30

The recommendation of an expert panel of doctors to the graded lifting of twenty-one-day lockdown has been rejected by the Karnataka State Government Cabinet on Thursday and favored the complete shutdown till 30th April. To check the spread of the COVID-19 in the state, the cabinet ministers have suggested the extension of the lockdown till the month-end. However, the Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has said that they will make the final decision after consulting with the Prime Minister.

A teleconference is to be held on Saturday between the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of the Indian states to discuss and seek their opinion on the continuation of lockdown.

The salaries of ministers, MLAs, MLCs, speaker, deputy speaker, and the chief will be deducted by 30% for one year by the cabinet, and it will be given to the state government for using the fund to fight against COVID-19 pandemic. JC Madhuswamy law and parliamentary affairs ministry issued a statement stating that the pay cut will start from 1st April, and the amount will add up to Rs.15 crore.

The expert’s panel tasked with devising the exit strategy has recommended the continuation of lockdown for COVID-19 hotspots and restrictions in the rest of the state. The report also suggested the closure of the schools and colleges till 31st May and restrictions on the mass gathering.

The state cabinet has also decided to compensate the state farmers for the loss they have suffered due to the untimely rains in many parts of Karnataka.

The CM Ydiyurappa has also stated that they have asked the district administration to send reports referring to the rain-damaged paddy crops in Koppal so that they can release the compensation. It has also been decided by the cabinet release Rs. 50 lakhs each two panchayats to address the drinking problem and Rs. 1 crore each to 49 droughts hit talukas.

Also, the cabinet has decided to extend the time till 30th June to fill the GST returns for 2019-20, so it can help the businessmen. The government has also decided to distribute rations to over two lakh families who have no ration cards or waiting for one.