President’s help sought to vaccinate tribal people

Former Governor and senior BJP leader Ch. Vidyasagar Rao requested President Ram Nath Kovind to constitute of special task force consisting of officials, local body representatives and members from th

Former Governor and senior BJP leader Ch. Vidyasagar Rao requested President Ram Nath Kovind to constitute of special task force consisting of officials, local body representatives and members from the medical fraternity to undertake a special drive to inoculate tribal communities, especially those living in the areas designated under ‘Schedule V’ of the Constitution. In a communication to the President, a copy of which was released to the media, Mr. Rao said Governors have special powers under the Constitution over the scheduled areas, hence the committees could be headed by them. The Union government could make special allocation of COVID vaccines for the speedy and effective execution, he said. The committee should be asked to chalk out an action plan with time stipulations meticulously to execute the task expeditiously. Non-governmental organisations and organizations like the Red Cross could also be involved where the tribal communities evince disinterest or apprehensions due to possible superstition beliefs, he said.