COVID: Odisha to vaccinate those lacking ID proof

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has decided to administer COVID-19 vaccine to vulnerable people who don’t possess any ID proof. PK Mohapatra, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government, has written to all Collectors and Municipal Corporation Commissioners in this regard.

“In all the phases of COVID-19 vaccination drive, it has been prescribed that the beneficiary must register in COWIN portal for which identity & eligibility of the beneficiary through one of the seven prescribed ID proofs, but 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,” 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 COWIN portal will provide the facility for creation of special vaccination sessions for this purpose,” the official said in the letter.

“The districts and Municipal Corporations shall do appropriate preparation such as identification of District Nodal Officer, Key facilitators, CVCs site and identification & enlisting of such persons to be vaccinated. Therefore, you are requested to expedite the process for timely vaccination of vulnerable group of people on priority in your District/Corporation,” Mohapatra added.