New Delhi, April 11 (TIWN) If the Chief Ministers' conference on Saturday, a third in less than two weeks, convened by PM Modi is an indication, there has been a growing unanimity that the ongoing shutdown should continue "at least for two more weeks".

The CMs also seemed to agree on opening the up the rural economy, especially grain markets. The suggestions included continuing the lockdown of airports, railway stations and metros.  There were indications that the Prime Minister''s Office is contemplating a graded lifting of lockdown measures, and marking the country into red, yellow and green zones, depending on the severity of the coronavirus spread. 

The PMO will also review the situation with top officials and experts, sources added. After the meeting with CMs, the Prime Minister indicated in his remarks that based on recommendations of states, the lockdown might be extended by two weeks.  Sources indicated that at least ten Chief ministers "strongly advocated" an extension of the ongoing shutdown. While some CMs have advised the PM to extend it "at least for the rest of April", some have advocated "caution", in case he decides against extending it.  Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has suggested the extension of the nationwide shutdown for "at least a fortnight".

The CM has already extended the shutdown in Punjab till May 1.  Singh is believed to have asked for a slew of relief measures, particularly one-time increase in borrowing limit from 3% to 4% of states'' GDP by amending the FRBM Act.  Sources say Singh has also sought "bonus" for farmers in the harvesting season. Punjab has one of the highest number of big farmers who have been finding it tough to locate labour for harveadsting during the shutdown.  Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal too batted for a "strict implementation and continuation" of the current shutdown "at least till April-end".