Welcome to the Political Fix by Rohan Venkataramakrishnan, a newsletter on Indian politics and policy. To get it in your inbox, sign up he...
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The Big Story: Fetch the bolt-cutters
Unlock 1. That is what India’s government is calling the next phase of restrictions after having been in four different phases of lockdown since March 24.
The new phase allows religious places, shopping malls and restaurants to open from June 8, and follows earlier relaxations that allowed offices to operate at full strength. Moreover, there are now no restrictions on the movement of people or goods either within states or between them.
A few things, however, remain shut: metro train services, gyms, swimming pools, cinemas, bars and entertainment parks. India isn’t restarting international flights yet, and a decision on reopening schools and educational institutions has been put off for the moment.
Also, a night curfew – now from 9 pm to 5 am – remains in place.
States can decide whether they want stricter rules and many have indeed announced guidelines that differ from the national ones. Plus, harsh restrictions are still in force in containment...
