Row over UGC directive to universities, colleges to put up banners thanking PM Modi for vaccines

Free COVID-19 vaccination policy: As the Centre took over the supplying of Covid-19 vaccines from Monday, the University Grants Commission (UGC) asked all universities and colleges in India to put up banners thanking PM Narendra Modi for the free COVID-19 vaccines.

This led to heavy criticism from a section of teachers who termed it as “politicisation” of the COVID-19 vaccination drive.

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In an email sent to universities and colleges of India, UGC stated that the Government of India was starting a free COVID-19 vaccination policy for 18 years and above age group from June 21, 2021.

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Therefore, the universities and colleges were requested to display these hoardings/banners in their institutions. "The approved design (creatives) of hoardings/banners in Hindi and English, as provided by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, are attached for your ready reference," it stated.

The approved banners, shared by the UGC, carried the message “Thank you PM Modi” both in English and Hindi. Several colleges under the Delhi University (DU) confirmed receiving the email from the commission.

Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote: "UGC asked all government-funded universities and colleges to put up posters thanking PM for free vaccines. Firstly, the vaccines are being bought from taxpayers' money. Secondly, wish UGC worked with the same alacrity for students asked about the lack of jobs amongst the youth.

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-PTC News