Mamata Banerjee tweeted that the decision was taken after numerous requests from the student community on lifting lockdown norms on 12 September considering the NEET 2020 examination scheduled on 13 September.

However the complete lockdown in West Bengal on 11 September will remain in place and no public activity will be allowed on that day.

Mamata Banerjee tweeted, “GoWB had initially announced a statewide lockdown on Sep 11th & 12th. Considering the NEET 2020 examination scheduled on 13th, we have received numerous requests from the student community on lifting lockdown norms on 12th, helping ease their travel to examination centres.”

Mamata Banerjee also wished the students appearing for the medical entrance examination.

“Keeping their interest in mind, while keeping the statewide lockdown as it is on Sep 11th, it has been decided to cancel the lockdown on 12th, so that the students can attend the examination on 13th without any apprehensions or concerns. I wish them all the very best,” said West Bengal chief minister.

Indian Railways will also operate the Kolkata Metro Rail service on 13 September for the students who will appear in the NEET exam.

Earlier, state chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced the extension of the lockdown in the state till September 20. To maintain social distancing norms among the residents, the state government imposed a biweekly lockdown in West Bengal from the end of July. Only the essential services are allowed to function on lockdown, the state government mentioned.

All the other shops will be closed for two days a week across the state. All the government and private offices, commercial establishments will also be shut. The educational institutions including schools, colleges and universities will remain closed till September 20, Mamata Banerjee announced.

The West Bengal government earlier allowed the banks to function on working Saturdays. Open air theaters are allowed from September 21. However, the permission must be obtained from the local authorities.