Smaller, Less Populous States Made Better Vaccine Progress Than Larger Ones: Report

Uttar Pradesh - the most populous state in India, along with economically significant states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal have not yet reached the 'safe' levels of vaccinations, according to Oxford Economics.

After a sluggish pace of vaccinations through most of April and May, India has picked up its vaccination pace in June, however, the smaller and less populous states have made better vaccine progress compared to the larger ones, according to a report by Oxford Economics. Over 80 lakh doses were administered on June 22 - the highest in a single day, as the revised guidelines for vaccinations, came into effect across the country. Under the new guidelines, the government will provide free COVID-19 vaccines to all Indian citizens above 18 years of age. As per the centralised free vaccination policy which began on June 21, the government will procure 75 per cent of vaccines and give them to states for free distribution to all adults. The government will also handle the 25 per cent vaccination that was with states, so far, as part of the liberalised plan announced earlier. However, Uttar Pradesh - the most populous state in India, along with economically significant states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal have not yet reached the 'safe' levels of vaccinations, according to Oxford Economics.  ''International experience suggests that it is more prudent for governments to start relaxing restrictions substantially after between 28 per cent - 47 per cent of the population have been vaccinated, which we call the 'vaccine tipping point' range,'' said the report. Accordingly, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, and Gujarat have edged to the tipping point range, but economists think that there are still reasons to remain cautious.