Covid-19 vaccination is voluntary, unvaccinated can't be deprived of any facility: RTI

Mohali, January 24: Citizens who are not vaccinated against Covid-19 cannot be deprived of the benefits under any government scheme/facility. Vaccination against coronavirus is voluntary. This has been revealed in an RTI (find copy attached) filed by activist Kareem Ansari of Hyderabad. The RTI activist also posed a query if there is any provision for a compensation to be given for a person who has been adversely affected due to the Covid vaccination. Earlier, the Central Government also informed the Supreme Court that Covid-19 vaccination guidelines issued by the Union Health Ministry do not envisage forcible inoculation against coronavirus without obtaining the consent of the person concerned. Also read | Punjab elections: Amritsar ropes in conjoined twins Sohna, Mohna to sensitise voters In an affidavit filed on January 13, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that “no person can be forced to be vaccinated against their wishes”. It also said that “the Government of India has not issued any SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) which make carrying of vaccination certificate mandatory for any purpose.” It said that the government has formulated operational guidelines for Covid-19 vaccination according to which “all beneficiaries are to be informed about adverse events which may occur after Covid-19 vaccine”. However, in contrast, most restaurant and eatery owners are planning to make vaccination certificates a must for dining even if the government does not enforce such a rule. They would be doing it to ensure safety of patrons and staff. Offices and banks across several states have also made it mandatory for staff and visitors o carry Covid certificate. Also read | SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia's anticipatory bail plea dismissed -PTC News