CPI slams MLA Susindro on his vaccine policy
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 12 2021: Communist Party of India - Marxism (CPI-M) state secretary Kh Shanta has slammed Khurai MLA S Susindro over his recent statement of making vaccination mandatory for getting PMGKAY rice.

Shanta said that PMGKAY rice is being distributed to the crisis-hit public by the Central government following public demand in view of the pandemic and no authority can pick and choose the beneficiaries.

It is a right for a citizen of the country and violating this right is akin to undermining the Constitution, he said and added that CPI-M strongly condemned the statement of the MLA.

He then asked the MLA to direct his blame to the BJP government and not to the public.

It does not suit a public representative to hold PMGKAY rice as a leverage to make the public get the vaccine.

Instead, the MLA concerned could appeal to the public and suggest to the government to ensure adequate availability of vaccine doses for the entire population of the state.

Everybody knows that maximum of the states delayed vaccination for 18-44 years category due to non-availability of vaccine doses.

As pointed out by the party, acquiring vaccine for the people of the state would cost only about Rs 90 crore, the state secretary maintained.

Shanta further said that despite the fear of the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic, many come out of their houses in search of food, drinking water, medical & ritual purposes.

Though there are still some people who are hesitant of taking the vaccine, many are waiting for their turn to get the shots with the hope that it will save their lives.

In the present scenario, it is not easy for anybody to get vaccine.

Thousands of people stood for 4-5 hours and returned home without getting shot at various centres.

Only a handful of wealthy people can afford vaccination in private hospitals.

On the other hand, those in the age group of 18-44 years are facing difficulties in registration and getting slots, he pointed out.

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