Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 3: Former chief minister Prithiviraj Chavan questioned the NDA led government's decision to charge for the second phase of Covid vaccine from March. He cited a government order which said that a person above 45, with comorbidities or 60 can get inoculated at designated centres for Rs 250 a dose.

"A huge provision has been made in the budget, so it is the responsibility of the NDA government. It is wrong to charge for it. It appears the Modi government is digging from people's pocket," Chavan alleged. If Chavan's demands are considered, 1.5 crore population in the state could get free vaccine.

"More than 1.5 billion doses can be procured at a cost of Rs 210 a dose. It can twice cover 75 crore people, which is more than the entire adult population of India. If a massive budgetary provision has been, why is Modi charging common people? It should be given free," Chavan added citing Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharam's budget speech which said Rs 35,000 crore was earmarked for vaccinations.