Expand definition of frontline workers to vaccinate more people: MCCIA chief

Sudhir Mehta, president of MCCIA, has called for inclusion of NGO workers among frontline workers.

A healthcare workers administers a dose of Covid-19 vaccine in Aundh, Pune. (Express Photo)

As Pune battles the second wave of coronavirus infections, Mahratta Chamber of Commerce Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) and other industry bodies have asked for expanding the definition of frontline workers who are now eligible to get the vaccine.

Sudhir Mehta, president of MCCIA, has called for inclusion of NGO workers among frontline workers.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Mehta said since the start of the Covid-19 crisis, social workers and NGO workers have been working relentlessly in providing service to those in need. “It is a cruel joke that NGO workers are not being classified as frontline workers — they are working since day one and must be vaccinated,” he said.

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Industry insiders have already sought vaccination for workers in various units which will enable them to continue working.

Mehta also called for vaccination of those who are mentally and physically challenged.

With Pune Covid-19 cases rising sharply every day, Mehta said the need of the hour is to ensure more and more people get vaccinated fast.

Parthasarathi Biswas

Partha Sarathi Biwas is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express with 10+ years of experience in reporting on Agriculture, Commodities and Developmental issues. He has been with The Indian Express since 2011 and earlier worked with DNA. Partha's report about Farmers Producer Companies (FPC) as well long pieces on various agricultural issues have been cited by various academic publications including those published by the Government of India. He is often invited as a visiting faculty to various schools of journalism to talk about development journalism and rural reporting. In his spare time Partha trains for marathons and has participated in multiple marathons and half marathons. ... Read More

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