ODISHA TO GIVE JAB TO NON-ID PROOF HOLDERS

The Odisha government on Wednesday decided to administer Covid-19 vaccine to vulnerable people who don’t possess any identity proofs.

In a letter to all the collectors and Municipal Corporation Commissioners, additional chief secretary to the government, P. K. Mohapatra, asked to immediately identify such persons and bring them under the inoculation process.

“In all the phases of Covid-19 vaccination drive, it has been prescribed that the beneficiary must register in the COWIN portal. The beneficiary has to register in the portal with one of the seven prescribed ID proofs. However, some vulnerable groups of citizens may not possess any of the seven prescribed identity cards. Such vulnerable persons may not be denied for

Covid-19 vaccination for absence of identity proof. Hence, there is a need to provide special consideration for

Covid-19 vaccination of the vulnerable population, as these beneficiaries are also at risk of exposure to Covid-19 infection,” Mr Mohapatra wrote in the letter.

“Such groups of people include nomads (including sadhu/saints from various religions), prison inmates, inmates in mental health Institutions, citizens in old age homes, roadside beggars, people residing in rehabilitation centers/camps and any other identified eligible persons, aged 18 years or more, and not having any of above prescribed individual photo ID cards”. the official said.