The Government of India in a liberalised and accelerated phase 3 strategy of Covid-19 vaccination included everyone above the age of 18 within the eligibility criteria to get a vaccine against Covid-19. In order to implement the above decision Government of India empowered the vaccine manufacturers to release up to 50 per cent of their supply to State Governments in the open market at a pre-declared price. States have also been empowered to procure additional vaccines directly from the manufacturers. It means 50 per cent of production shall be used for the Government of India and 50 per cent shall be for the State Governments and Private Hospitals.
Immediately, after the announcement of the Phase 3 Strategy of Covid-19 Vaccination, UP and Assam moved to procure vaccines and thereafter some other states also followed the same course but in a political move, Chief Minister of Rajasthan Shri Ashok Gehlot has shrugged his shoulders and is trying to shift his burden on Central Government by requesting the Central Government to arrange Free Vaccines for the above age group.
During this adverse time when the entire Nation is facing a surge in the cases of Covid-19, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan chose to provoke the youth of Rajasthan. However, the Youth has already understood this political tactic and is posing a very simple question before the Hon’ble Chief Minister i.e. if other States can provide free vaccines to everyone above the age of 18, Why can’t Rajasthan Government?
(The author is the State President of Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha, Rajasthan)
