Declare Foreign-Bound Students Vaccination Priority Group: HD Kumaraswamy

HD Kumaraswamy said Maharashtra and Kerala have already categorised such students as a priority group.

Janata Dal Secular (JDS) leader HD Kumaraswamy has urged the Karnataka government to prioritise vaccination of those flying abroad to study in foreign universities as many of these educational institutions require full inoculation. It is that time of the year when thousands of young Kannadigas go abroad to study. Since many countries/universities have made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory before entering the country/campus, it is the govt's duty to prioritize this group of youngsters for vaccination.1/3 Some states like Maharashtra and Kerala have already taken measures to fully vaccinate (2 doses) this group on priority. I urge @CMofKarnataka and the Chief Secretary to take the necessary steps immediately to fully vaccinate the group on priority.2/3 "It is that time of the year when thousands of young Kannadigas go abroad to study. Since many countries/universities have made COVID-19 vaccination mandatory before entering the country/campus, it is the government's duty to prioritize this group of youngsters for vaccination," Mr Kumaraswamy tweeted. The former Karnataka chief minister also said schools and colleges – shut for months due to the pandemic – should be converted into vaccination facilities.