Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s suggestion for mass vaccination against the novel coronavirus, the nationwide ‘Tika Utsav’ began on Sunday, 11 April. The ‘vaccine festival’ will be held until 14 April.
This comes at a time when India is witnessing a massive spike in the number of coronavirus cases, with many states like Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Telangana, witnessing shortage of vaccines.
PM Modi proposed 'each one, vaccinate one', referring to those who are less educated, elderly or can't go on their own for vaccination should be helped by others, reported PTI.
“We’re going to begin ‘Tika Utsav’ today nationwide. I urge countrymen to abide by 4 things – assist those who need help getting inoculated, help people in COVID treatment, wear masks and motivate others. If someone tests positive, create micro-containment zone in the area.”PM Narendra Modi
He added that the 'Tika Utsav' marked second big war on corona, asserting we have to stress on personal and social hygiene.
While Punjab Chief Minister and Congress leader Amarinder Singh said his state had only five days of vaccines left, his Rajasthan counterpart Ashok Gehlot has warned that vaccine stocks in the state will run out in 48 hours or less if the Central government does not send the doses.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has also flagged the vaccine shortage claiming that only 10 days of stock are left.
(With inputs from PTI)
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