Karnataka in favour of lifting lockdown in COVID-19-free districts, says CM

In an interview with PTI, he also said the state intended to relax liquor sales – which are stopped since the 21-day lockdown was imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus – after April 14 in a bid to increase state revenues.

According to officials, there were no coronavirus cases in 12 districts of the total 30 districts in the state.
As on Wednesday, there were 181 positive COVID-19 cases in the state, including five deaths and 28 discharges.

“If the Prime Minister suggests to states to take decision (on lockdown) based on the situation in their respective states, my position is to take a call (on roll-back) in districts free from COVID-19,” Yediyurappa said.

“This is to allow people to go about their business and move about within the district and not from one district to another, after April 14, after taking the approval of the Prime Minister,” he said.
The government has a fear that if the lockdown was lifted in districts where there were a high number of COVID-19 cases, it would spread on a large scale, the Chief Minister said.

Yediyurappa said all kinds of revenue collections have completely stopped following the lockdown, adding, he was discussing with experts and Cabinet colleagues on a roadmap for the state to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

The government would take up only those proposals which were “necessary and inevitable“, he said.
“Other things, we have to stop for the next 5-6 months. It’s inevitable. There is a shortage of funds at the central and state levels.”
The Chief Minister said implementation of the lockdown in the state has been to the tune of 85-90 percent. On resuming liquor sales, he said the government wanted to relax it to help increase revenue collection.

“Its (also) difficult to control those who are habituated to liquor,” Yediyurappa remarked.

He said since Bengaluru was deserted following the lockdown, instructions have been issued to take up roadworks in the city in a day or two.
On the move for a cut in salary of legislators, Yediyurappa said a meeting of the Cabinet has been convened for Thursday, where the formal decision for 30 percent reduction would be taken.
Asked if government employees would also take a salary cut, the Chief Minister said:

“We have not given a thought. Let’s see, we will discuss in the Cabinet depending on the situation. This month we have given salary to government employees, coming month what situation we face, let’s wait and see.”

Karnataka Congress, on Tuesday, vehemently opposed any possible move to cut salaries of government employees.
Yediyurappa had earlier indicated such a course given the state’s precarious financial condition following the lockdown due to coronavirus.