Finance ministry asks states to vaccinate banking staffs on priority basis

The Ministry of Finance has asked the State Governments to treat bankers on priority basis for COVID-19 vaccination when the third phase begins from May 1, 2021.

The government recently decided to open COVID-19 vaccination for all adults above the age of 18 years starting May 1 with the pandemic surging to record highs and fatalities rising with each passing day. The vaccine makers have been directed to reserve 50% doses for the Centre and remaining for states and the open market.

The department of financial services, in a letter addressed to chief secretaries of states, stated that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs on Management of COVID-19 pandemic and related issues, in its 229th report, appreciated the efforts and pain taken by the banking sector for providing uninterrupted service during the COVID-19 outbreak and consequent lockdown.

The letter further said all the officers/staff of banks, insurance companies and other service providers who have not been vaccinated so far are anxious to get themselves vaccinated at the earliest.

“In the light of the recent government’s decision to open up vaccination to all persons above the age of 18 years from May 1, 2021. Kindly consider putting in place a special dispensation in your state/UT, to enable the aforementioned employees/ staff to avail of vaccination easily and on priority basis,” it added.

The ministry also stated that the respective convenors of the State Level Bankers’ Committees (SLBCs) in each state will coordinate with respective chief secretaries in this regard.