THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday sought emergency financial aid from the centre in order to deal with the economic crisis caused by the nationwide lockdown. The CM made the demand during the Prime Minister's video conference with state chief ministers to discuss the post lockdown strategy. He also asked the centre to introduce a package for the unorganised sector and demanded more medical kits for the state.

The Chief Minister urged that states should be given authority to make necessary changes in the guidelines relating to the lockdown. He further added that states should also be given the freedom to operate public transport in a controlled way after May 17.

Meanwhile, various other states such as West Bengal, Bihar, Punjab, Maharashtra and Telangana have advocated an extension of the lockdown.