Prime Minister Narendra Modi today stressed the need to protect both lives and the economy at the end of a video meeting with the chief ministers of 13 states to decide on extending nation wide lockdown.

The comment marked an evolution in his government's strategy to combat the spread of the highly infectious novel coronavirus - from shutting down all economic activity to prevent transmission to acknowledging that a phased re-opening of the economy may be necessary.

"In my first address I had said, 'Jaan hai to jahaan hai (If there is life, the world will exist)'. We must now look at Jaan bhi, jahaan bhi (life and the world)," the Prime Minister said, referring to his address to the nation on March 24 - during which he announced the 21-day lockdown.

Today's meeting, which lasted four hours, was meant to help PM Modi decide whether or not to extend the lockdown, which is scheduled to end Tuesday. Sources have told Lock down is likely to be extended, albeit with some exemptions and changes.

In line with that change in strategy, the Prime Minister has suggested specific measures for agriculture and allied sectors, including modification of laws to facilitate sale of farm produce; this will help vegetables reach end consumers quicker and ensure people stay indoors.

The centre will also issue directions to restart the construction industry in a graded manner, sources said. This is likely to be a key move since the sector employs tens of thousands of migrant workers and daily wagers, whose plight during the current lockdown has made national headlines.

According to sources, the government will become fully functional from April 13. PM Modi has reportedly asked all ministers in council to resume work in their respective ministries from Monday. All ministries have been asked to resume work with standard operating procedures of social distancing.

Senior officers have also been asked to report to work from Monday. The ministries will resume work with Class 2, 3 and 4 staff working on a rotational basis.

The centre will also allow states to ease restrictions on the agricultural industry which has seen severe supply chain disruption due to the current Covid-19 lockdown. The 21-day lockdown has hit farmers and essential item producers indirectly even as the government has exempted them from the purview of the shutdown.

For large industries, the government is set to hold discussions with stakeholders for a staggered resumption of work. The government is currently looking into the demand from industries to address distress due to lockdown. Restrictions may be eased for industries which can house workers within their premises, sources said.

However, no decision has been taken yet on resuming airlines, trains and interstate transport.