Statistics helps boost PM’s image?

Modi’s team now spins statistical tales to salvage his battered image

The government on Monday attempted to salvage Modi's globally battered image by claiming that it is the fastest country in the world to administer 17 crore COVID vaccine doses.

India’s total active caseload has reached 37,45,237. "China took 119 days and USA took 115 days for reaching the same landmark”, said the Health Ministry almost in “collars up’’ tone to emphasise how the Indian government has outpaced China and the United States.

It said that the cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed the landmark of 17 crore as the Phase-3 of the nationwide Vaccination Drive expands further.

The government’s presentation on superfast vaccination comes in the middle of immense criticism by the global media, world leaders, opinion makers, award winning authors, Hollywood actors and opposition leaders in India of its poor handling of the COVID pandemic. Add to this the growing chorus for Modi’s resignation.

The Health Ministry further claimed that India’s cumulative recoveries stand at 1,86,71,222 today. The National Recovery Rate is 82.39 per cent. It said that 3,53,818 recoveries were registered in the last 24 hours and Maharashtra is on the top of ten states that account for 74.38 per cent of the new recoveries.

Meanwhile, the Congress Working Committee, the apex decision making body of Congress, on Monday voiced concern over the “horribly wrong data on COVID deaths and massive non reporting of deaths.”

The CWC said it is deeply concerned about Modi government’s vaccination strategy. “Vaccine supplies are grossly insufficient, yet the government denies the facts. The pricing policy is opaque and discriminatory and the government has passed on the financial responsibility for vaccinating the 18-44 year population to the states.’’

The government reiterated that it is ensuring that the global aid is being expeditiously delivered to States and UTs through fast custom clearances, and use of air and road. These clarifications on speedy dispatch of all incoming foreign aid consignments are being made in the wake of criticism that consignments are stranded at airports. The Health Ministry on Monday said that 6,738 Oxygen Concentrators, 3,856 Oxygen Cylinders, 16 Oxygen Generation Plants, 4,668 ventilators/ Bi PAP/ C PAP and over 3L Remdesivir vials received as part of global aid have been delivered/ dispatched to states to augment their infrastructure, so far.