Inside the world's biggest lockdown: India remains shut and wary!

Indian budget airline GoAir has asked as many as 90 per cent of its 5,500 employees to go on indefinite leave without pay as the Indian government's coronavirus flight restrictions dry up cash flow, Bloomberg News reported on Sunday.

The airline will keep paying a small number of employees on payroll to restart operations when the government allows flights, the report said, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

Ministry of Civil Aviation on Saturday clarified that no decision has been taken to open domestic/ international operations.&nbsp;

Airlines are advised to open their bookings only after a decision in this regard has been taken by the government, tweeted Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Hardeep S Puri.

PM Modi announced a 21-day national lockdown in late March to contain the spread of the virus outbreak. The lockdown has been extended until May 3 at least.

GoAir is checking with the government if the airline can continue sale of tickets for travel after the national lockdown ends on May 3, the report added.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Indian budget airline GoAir has asked as many as 90 per cent of its 5,500 employees to go on indefinite leave without pay as the Indian government's coronavirus flight restrictions dry up cash flow, Bloomberg News reported on Sunday.

Indian budget airline GoAir has asked as many as 90 per cent of its 5,500 employees to go on indefinite leave without pay as the Indian government's coronavirus flight restrictions dry up cash flow, Bloomberg News reported on Sunday. The airline will keep paying a small number of employees on payroll to restart operations when the government allows flights, the report said, citing people with knowledge of the matter. Ministry of Civil Aviation on Saturday clarified that no decision has been taken to open domestic/ international operations. Airlines are advised to open their bookings only after a decision in this regard has been taken by the government, tweeted Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Hardeep S Puri. PM Modi announced a 21-day national lockdown in late March to contain the spread of the virus outbreak. The lockdown has been extended until May 3 at least. GoAir is checking with the government if the airline can continue sale of tickets for travel after the national lockdown ends on May 3, the report added. (With inputs from Reuters)

GoAir asks 90% of its 5,500 employees to go on indefinite leave without pay

As we move closer to the 21-day lockdown in India, the government is facing a difficult question now. Should the nationwide lockdown be extended beyond April 14? Some Indian states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala have requested the center of extension of the lockdown. Watch report.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Multiple Indian states have called for an extension of the lockdown

PM Modi during a video interaction with floor leaders of opposition and other parties in Parliament on Wednesday said that the situation in the country is akin to a "social emergency" while discussing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-meeting-with-leaders-of-various-parties-to-discuss-coronavirus-lockdown-291306">coronavirus </a>situation in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/markaz-chief-maulana-saad-is-living-in-self-quarantine-say-sources-291332">Also Read: Markaz chief Maulana Saad is living in self quarantine, say sources</a>

During the meeting, PM Modi made it clear that the countrywide lockdown will not be lifted in one go on April 14.

The meeting was attended by among others Ghulam Nabi Azad, leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha, and Nationalist Congress Party head Sharad Pawar. "PM Modi told us that pre-corona and post-corona life won't be same" BJD's Pinaki Misra told reporters.

"It has necessitated tough decisions and we must continue to remain vigilant. States, district administrations and experts have suggested extension of lockdown to contain the spread of the virus," PM Modi told the MPs during the meeting.

PM Modi said the entire world is currently facing a grave challenge of coronavirus, adding that the present situation is an "epoch changing" event in mankind's history and we must evolve to counter its impact."

Meanwhile, RK Tiwari, the chief secretary said that "15 districts have high viral load of coronavirus. So affected areas will be sealed. Only home delivery and medical teams will be allowed there. It's being done to prevent community spread, as numbers are high."

PM Modi during a video interaction with floor leaders of opposition and other parties in Parliament on Wednesday said that the situation in the country is akin to a "social emergency" while discussing the coronavirus situation in the country.

PM Modi during a video interaction with floor leaders of opposition and other parties in Parliament on Wednesday said that the situation in the country is akin to a "social emergency" while discussing the coronavirus situation in the country. Also Read: Markaz chief Maulana Saad is living in self quarantine, say sources During the meeting, PM Modi made it clear that the countrywide lockdown will not be lifted in one go on April 14. The meeting was attended by among others Ghulam Nabi Azad, leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha, and Nationalist Congress Party head Sharad Pawar. "PM Modi told us that pre-corona and post-corona life won't be same" BJD's Pinaki Misra told reporters. "It has necessitated tough decisions and we must continue to remain vigilant. States, district administrations and experts have suggested extension of lockdown to contain the spread of the virus," PM Modi told the MPs during the meeting. PM Modi said the entire world is currently facing a grave challenge of coronavirus, adding that the present situation is an "epoch changing" event in mankind's history and we must evolve to counter its impact." Meanwhile, RK Tiwari, the chief secretary said that "15 districts have high viral load of coronavirus. So affected areas will be sealed. Only home delivery and medical teams will be allowed there. It's being done to prevent community spread, as numbers are high."

Countrywide lockdown will not be lifted in one go on April 14: PM Modi to MPs