Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has taken a decision to provide vaccine free of cost to all residents above the age of 18 years under the third phase of the vaccination drive from May 1. The issue of free vaccination has been under discussion for the past few days. Such demands were being made from all levels.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Tuesday signed a proposal for free vaccines. The decision was taken today in the interest of the people during a cabinet meeting. 5 crore 71 lakh citizens in the age group of 18 to 44 years will be vaccinated free of cost. This will require about 12 crore doses of vaccine.
This will put a burden of Rs 6,500 crore on the state exchequer. (More details awaited)
On Sunday, Maharashtra minority minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik made the announcement of vaccinating all beneficiaries above the age of 18. He had said that the idea was discussed in the state cabinet. He added that global tenders will also be invited for the vaccination process.
Maharashtra remains one of the worst-COVID-affected states in the country. As many as 66,358 new cases, 895 deaths and 67,752 recoveries were reported on Tuesday. The total case tally stands at 44,100,85.