New Delhi : The fourth phase of nationwide unlock in India will end on 30 September. In Unlock 4, which started on September 1, the central government had given various important discounts like restart of metro services. With this the schools were partially reopened for classes 9-12. There is a possibility that the Union Home Ministry may release guidelines for Unlock 5.0 today.
Now, speculation has intensified for the fifth phase of unlock starting from October 1. Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested a ‘micro-containment’ zone in his meeting with the chief ministers of seven heavily affected Corona states.
Due to the festive season, expectations are that the center will open more activities in Unlock 5.0.
Economic Activities
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) with social distancing allowed public places such as malls, salons, restaurants and gyms to be opened with restrictions. It is being hoped that the central government may give permission to increase more economic activities.
In his meeting with the Chief Ministers, PM Modi had emphasized on containment zones and lockdown to prevent the spread of Corona.
Cinema Hall
Despite an appeal by the Multiplex Association of India, from September 21, the Home Ministry had only allowed open-air theaters to resume operations.
However, in August, Amit Khare, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, gave the Home Ministry a seating arrangement formula for movie theaters. As per the plan, the first row and the next seats were optionally placed so as to maintain social distance. In addition, on Saturday, West Bengal became the first state to allow the opening of cinema and cinema halls from 1 October.
Tourism
The area most affected by the Corona lockdown has been tourism. It recently saw some revenue after reopening the tourist spots including Taj Mahal. It is likely to increase during unlock-5. The Ministry of Home Affairs may allow more tourist centers and tourist destinations to be opened for travelers. Recently, the Uttarakhand government allowed tourists to enter the state without quarantine.
School-colleges
Many schools and colleges across the country reopened from 21 September. However, students from 9th to 12th were allowed to come to school voluntarily. It is expected to continue until next month. However, according to people aware of the developments, primary classes will be closed for a few more weeks.
