Chennai : Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry
and Dairying, Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan today launched the
Covid-19 vaccine at doorstep drive in the city.
Later, talking to reporters, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his
interaction with District Collectors a couple of days ago, asked them to provide
vaccines to people at their doorsteps.
“Following this, Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya launched the
programme in Gujarat day before yesterday and we are here today to launch
it in Tamil Nadu”, he added.
Stating that India has emerged tall in global arena by administering 100 crore
doses of vaccine, he said “this is not an easy task. Our Prime Minister has
achieved this. This feat has been achieved with the support of all State
governments, doctors, nurses, frontline workers and general public”.
Pointing out that the Centre has given vaccines to around six crore people
in Tamil Nadu, Dr Murugan said while 93 per cent people have received the
first dose, 30 per cent have received the second.
There are over 60 lakh people who are yet to receive second dose jab, he
pointed out.
Urging the people to stay cautious in view of the festival season, the Union
Minister appealed to all those who have not received their second dose to
get it without any further delay.
“Only now we are coming out of corona. We have achieved something which
has not done by anyone. People should come forward to get their shots”,
he said.
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian and Health department officials
have launched vaccine at doorstep drive. People should make use of this
opportunity and get their jabs,” he said.
He also requested the people to wear masks and follow other Covid protocols
without fail. “Though Deepavali is over, other festivals are coming up. Hence,
we should remain alert”, he added.
Dr Murugan said a seaweed park had been announced for Tamil Nadu in the
Union Budget and the Prime Minister has given it to TN for the first time.
Besides providing employment to our mothers and sisters in the fishing
community, the scheme will empower them economically, he said.
Observing that the demand of seaweed is increasing as it is used in the
production of fertilisers and medicines, the Union Minister said it was being
consumed as a food item in Japan.
“Since it has nutritional content, it would occupy an important place in future.
There are scope for employment and economic growth. The Tamil Nadu
government has to send a project report. Once it is done, works will commence
and the seaweed project will start soon,” he said.
Dr Murugan also said that the Union government has reduced tax on petrol
and diesel as a Deepavali gift for the people and expressed hope that Tamil
Nadu government too would bring down the VAT on fuels as has been done
by several states.
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