Lockdown Or No Lockdown? KCR in Dilemma

Amidst rapid increase in Corona cases across Telangana – particularly in GHMC zone, Telangana CM KCR is a worried lot. KCR, who had earlier indicated that the government would soon take a decision on imposing lockdown in the GHMC based upon several requests from various corners, seems to be caught in a dilemma now. One one hand, the Covid-19 cases are growing at a blitzkrieg speed and looks uncontrollable. Even the institutions like WHO, ICMR have cautioned that the cases would multiply in the coming days and witness a peak in July. All these are seriously worrying the government. Meanwhile, the revenue aspect is another factor that needs to be considered if lockdown is imposed.

Since the state’s revenue was severely affected over the last 3 months and several businesses were hit hard and the Covid cases have not “decreased” despite imposing lockdown, all these factors are concerning CM KCR. KCR’s administration is mulling over whether to impose lockdown or to impose alternate guidelines to stop the spread. According to reports, three options are being weighed by the Telangana government.

1. Strict lockdown
2. Half-day lockdown and half-day exemption
3. Track Treat Test (TTT) model

Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar is going to submit his special report to CM KCR today. Based upon the report, CM KCR would arrive at a conclusion. Meanwhile, there are no reports of holding a cabinet meeting. Though initial reports had it that there could be a cabinet meeting on Thursday (July 3rd), so far, the General Administration Department (GAD) and the Chief Secretary have no information yet. Looks like the physical cabinet meeting is not sure. The other two options that are considered to hold the cabinet meeting are Circulation and Video Conference.

Ever since Home Minister Mahmood Ali tested positive for Corona Virus, even other ministers and CM KCR are worried. Hence, the cabinet meeting could be held either via circulation or via video conference. However, there is no clarity yet on the lockdown in Hyderabad.