Chennai: The Tamilnadu Cabinet, which met this morning under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, discussed giving substantial relief on lockdown conditions in orange and green zones.
According to sources, more relief would be given to rural areas. The reason is obvious — rural parts of the State have reported a total of 283 Covid-19 cases only.
Of 12,575 village panchayats in 388 blocks or panchayat unions, 156 village panchayats in 115 blocks have only reported cases. As of now, there are only 110 active cases, while 171 patients have been discharged. The active cases are spread over 80 panchayats of 61 panchayat unions.
Meanwhile, close on the heels of the Union government announcing yet another extension of nationwide lockdown till 17 May, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released new set of guidelines which allowed several activities depending upon the criticality of districts.
In what looks like as a big relief for tipplers, the government has finally given permission to liquor shops to operate in all districts, but with certain restrictions.
It is learnt that the MHA has granted permission to liquor shops to open again in Green and Orange zones as well as to those located outside hotspots or containment areas even in the Red zones.
As far as Tamilnadu is concerned, sources say a decision on reopening TASMAC liquor shops would be taken after the Cabinet meet.
“The government will consider all aspects and will take inputs from police and civic administrations before taking a final call,” sources said. It is to be noted that TASMAC is one of the major revenue earners of the State government.