DIMAPUR, JANUARY 24 (MExN): The Ongpangkong Students’ Conference (OKM) has written to the Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner (DC) stating that the manner in which COVID-19 vaccination is carried out is oppressive.
The OKM made clear that it is not against vaccination and the extra ordinary measures and that the efforts taken up to combat the COVID-19 pandemic are highly appreciated. It however called for a review of the order stating that only vaccinated students (at least one dose of vaccine against COVID-19) be allowed to take admission, or attend regular/offline classes.
“In an affidavit dated October 18, 2021 by Satyendra Singh, Under Secretary Health Ministry of India, paragraph (9) before the Bombay High Court stated that COVID-19 vaccination is completely voluntary for all citizens of India. The Ministry has not formulated or suggested any policies for discrimination between citizens on the basis of their vaccination status,” the OKM pointed out.
Further, it noted that in a counter affidavit filed before the Supreme Court by Dr PBN Prasad, Joint Drugs Controller, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, it is stated in paragraph (64) that “as per the operational guidelines document, COVID-19 vaccination is voluntary. COVID-19 vaccination is also not linked to any benefits or services.”
In view of this, the OKM said that the district administration’s order dated January 11, 2022, paragraph (f) is “totally contrary to the policy of the Union Government of India, and violative of the fundamental rights of the individual student.”
In the “interest of justice and to protect the rights of all sections of the people, especially the students,” the OKM said that whether vaccinated or not, “no one should be deprived the right to education.”
