Punjab Chief Minister Seeks Central Funding For COVID-19 Vaccine Drive

In an online meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the COVID-19 situation, the Chief Minister also sought parity in rates of the vaccine to be given to the states and the Centre, according to a statement.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday described the vaccination policy for 18-plus as "unfair" towards the states and demanded central funding for it. In an online meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the COVID-19 situation, the Chief Minister also sought parity in rates of the vaccine to be given to the states and the Centre, according to a statement. Describing the new policy for the 18-plus as "unfair" towards the states, the Chief Minister said at rates declared by one manufacturer, the vaccination programme will cost Punjab over Rs 1,000 crore. Demanding central funding for the vaccination drive, Amarinder Singh also sought permission for the use of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), according to the statement.