Poor internet in rural Latehar hits vaccination drive

We have already informed higher authorities about this problem...We appeal to people to visit Pragya Kendra to get themselves registered for vaccination.

ABU IMRAN , Latehar deputy commissioner

LATEHAR: Absence of mobile connectivity in hinterlands of Latehar district was proving to be a hurdle in smooth functioning of the recently kicked off Covid-19 vaccination drive for people above 18 years of age, with atleast four vaccination centres in the district registering zero turn out.

The Union government has made prior registration on the vaccination portal, called Co-win, mandatory for getting the jab at designated centres.

On the state’s first day of the third phase of the vaccination drive that covers people between age group 18 to 44, as many as four vaccination centres in Garu block on Friday reported zero vaccination, while a few who were taken to other centres at Kabri, Kotam, Karwai and Rud blocks following persuasion by officials could not get the shot as they were not registered on the portal.

Incidentally, these parts of Latehar district have almost no mobile network. However, residents of Garu block headquarters and those living around security camps can sometimes access mobiles services. A resident of Garu block, Paras Yadav, said, “Private telecom operators are trying hard to provide network in the area. But, they await forest and wild life clearance from Palamu tiger reserve authorities, as the area is a reserve forest.”

Similarly, very low turnout was witnessed at vaccination centres in nearby Mahuadand block, as people failed to get themselves registered for vaccination due to poor network connectivity.

Alarmed by the development, the Latehar district administration has apprised higher authorities, and also sought guidance on ways to urge people to get themselves registered at the nearest Pragya Kendras (common service centres) for the same.

Latehar deputy commissioner (DC) Abu Imran said, “We have already informed higher authorities about this problem and sought further directions. This norm cannot be relaxed locally. We appeal to people to visit Pragya Kendra to get themselves registered for vaccination free of cost.”

There are a total of 26 vaccination centres set up in the district for conducting the third phase of the mass vaccination drive.