NAGPUR: Targeting 100% coverage by this month end, district collector Vimala R on Wednesday literally made vaccination compulsory for gaining entry into government establishments, attending in-person classes in senior colleges and availing benefits of different schemes.
Directives have also been issued to withhold salaries of unvaccinated government employees.
Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) too is likely to issue a impose similar conditions.
Till November 2, 81.79% eligible persons have taken the first dose and 39.97% their second dose in the district.
Vimala told TOI that an order to this effect will be issued on Monday. The resident deputy collector has already issued a letter to departments regarding the decision,” she said.
The decision was taken following a meeting of district and civic officials with chief minister Uddav Thackeray on Tuesday.
“Other districts too have taken similar decisions. Now, only 20% eligible citizens are yet to take the first dose in Nagpur district,” she said.
Citizens who haven’t taken their second dose even after a gap of 84 days too shall be barred entry in government offices, a statement issued by district information office read. Those vaccinated with the first dose and yet to complete 84 days, as required for Covishield jab, are exempted from the diktat.
“The measure is like an incentive to get people vaccinated. Private establishments too should make it compulsory,” Vimala said.
On the eve of Diwali, the collector also released a video advising citizens to exercise caution as the threat of Covid is still not over. “New cases are still surfacing daily in the district. We need to keep using mask. I am fully vaccinated. Now, I am initiating this campaign. Unvaccinated people will not be allowed in my office from now on. I have also asked all government employees coming in contact with public to be fully vaccinated,” she said.
The decision was announced following a meeting of department heads of all central, state governments, semi-government establishments at Bachat Bhavan on Wednesday. It was attended by the collector, ZP CEO Yogesh Kumbhejkar, additional municipal commissioner Ram Joshi, divisional deputy commissioner Ankush Kedar, civil surgeon Devendra Paturkar, district health officer Deepak Selokar, and additional district collector Yogesh Pandey.
The release also stated that the second dose is mandatory for employees to attend any government meeting, availing benefits of government schemes, health services, government and private hospitals.
The administration should made it compulsory for students above 18 to be vaccinated for attending in-person classes or participation in college activities, the release stated. Private establishments too have been advised to ensure vaccination while hiring and also of those already working with them.
