The free ration scheme for 80 crore poor people in India is set to continue unabated till Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced
After months of smear campaigns being run against him and his sitting government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to finally set the record straight.
Addressing the country at five in the evening on Monday, the PM talked about a string of ongoing issues. However, at the fore of his speech was the ongoing vaccination drive in the country, one which has been disrupted at every nook and cranny by the opposition and malicious elements of the international media.
India Carries Out Record Global Vaccination Drive
Despite providing free vaccines to state governments and vaccinating 23 crore Indians and the entire population of UK in the month of May itself, Modi has been belittled by a section of the country. Rather than countering the ongoing second wave, states like Rajasthan, Punjab and Delhi have been seen indulging in shenanigans ranging from vaccine wastage to profiteering by tying up with private hospitals.
Engulfed by these unsavoury antics, Prime Minister Modi in his address to the country on Monday announced that the 25% onus of vaccination given to states would now be borne by the central government only. Modi was quick to lay down the marker as he talked about how politicians from opposition parties had persistently tried to create panic and fear which had disrupted the vaccination drive.
Some people thrive on creating panic and furthering vaccine hesitancy.
Such elements are doing a great disservice to the efforts to make our planet COVID-free. pic.twitter.com/uUYKy2lpj6
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2021
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Announces Free Vaccines For Everyone Above 18 Years
However, the Prime Minister’s most notable announcement came in the form of the vaccination modus operandi set to be adopted by the government for citizens above the age of 18. The government which will be handling the entire inoculation process from June 21 will be providing free vaccine doses to every Indian and state.
“The Government of India itself will buy 75% of the total vaccine production from vaccine manufacturers and give it free to the state governments,” PM Modi announced.
The BJP lead government has also decided to come down heavily on private hospitals who are engaging in making hefty margins on vaccines. Ina blanket decision on all private players, private hospitals can only charge Rs.150 as service charge on a dose.
Keeping in mind a plausible third wave as the country unlocks, PM Modi also talked about the government ramping up its healthcare facilities. A string of international vaccine providers are being talked to at the moment to try and usher in fresh jabs for the population.
The country is meanwhile also testing a nasal vaccine along with two vaccines to give to children below the age of 18. Three vaccines are also in advanced stages of development and could join Covisheild, Covaxin and Sputnik anytime.
Vaccination Drive For Tokyo Olympics Bound Athletes
The government has meanwhile also decided that athletes who are part of India’s Olympic contingent will be given their second COVID shot in four weeks rather than the usual stipulated period of 12-16 weeks. The IOA revealed that 120 athletes have already received their first shot with athletes recently recovered from COVID set to be vaccinated soon.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana Extended
The Indian government has also decided to extend the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana till Diwali which will ensure free ration for 80 crore poor in the country the PM concluded with.
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