BENGALURU: The Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has suggested that the state make full vaccination mandatory for people to avail various benefits, including rations, water and electricity, from the government. This follows concerns over the possible spread of Omicron, the new SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern, and experts pushing to ensure all eligible people above the age of 18 years are completely vaccinated to prevent the pandemic situation from spiralling out of control.
TAC members met health minister K Sudhakar on Tuesday and submitted a slew of new recommendations, based on discussions at its 136th meeting on Monday (November 29).
The report recommends that to draw government benefits like rations from the public distribution system, electricity, domestic LPG, salaries, pensions, awarding of contracts and even petrol and diesel at bunks, one must be fully vaccinated. Incidentally, the Centre has insisted that the vaccine is not mandatory, although it has urged people to take the shot.
