Controversial Promotion of Free Vaccination: Put up Banners for Thanking PM Modi

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all universities, colleges, and technical institutes to put up banners thanking Prime Minister Modi for free vaccination in the country. The sources claimed this on Monday.

Earlier this month, the Prime Minister had announced free vaccination from the central government for all people above the age of 18 years. It started on Monday. In a WhatsApp message sent to the officials of various universities on Sunday, UGC Secretary Rajneesh Jain also asked the institutes to share the banner on their social media pages.

How will the banner be, its format has also been sent

The purported text message of Rajneesh Jain states that the Government of India is starting free vaccination for the age group of 18 years and above from June 21, 2021. In this regard, universities and colleges are requested to display these hoardings and banners in their institutions.

The designs of hoardings and banners provided by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in Hindi and in English are attached for your reference. The poster has a picture of the Prime Minister. Thank you PM Modi is written on it. However, he did not respond to calls for his comment. At least three university officials have confirmed receiving his instructions.

Many universities shared the banner

Institutions like Delhi University, University of Hyderabad, LNCT University in Bhopal, Bennett University, Northcap University in Gurgaon have shared banners on their social media pages with the hashtag ThankyouModiji.

Strong reaction to the instructions of UGC

• Academics, student bodies, and student leaders have reacted sharply to this move of the UGC. Yogendra Yadav, President of Swaraj India and former member of UGC, wrote on social media that as a former member of UGC, I feel ashamed. Things were still rotten at the UGC (2010-12), but such cheers were unimaginable.
• Rajesh Jha, Professor of Delhi University and former member of the Executive Council, said that this is unprecedented. The university cannot be used for propaganda by the government. He said that universities are not the weapons of the government that they can be used for such things.
• Similar is the view of Abha Dev Habib of Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA). He said that the institutions are being used for the promotion of the Prime Minister. On social media, he wrote that free vaccination is a right. This drive is being run with taxpayers' money.
• JNU Teachers Association secretary Moushumi Basu said that why is it always about the Prime Minister? Even the vaccination certificate has his photo. If we have to give thanks, why can't we give to health care workers? It should be told by UGC how to thank us.
• DU professor Hansraj Suman said that it is quite condemnable. No other government has used an autonomous body like the UGC for its propaganda. The money can be used for giving mobile phones to students who are finding it difficult to take online classes, instead of being used for such government propaganda.

Delhi's Deputy CM had alleged

Earlier, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had alleged that the central government was pressurizing officials in Delhi to issue advertisements thanking the Prime Minister for the free vaccination.

NSUI said – thanks are being taken without vaccination

Congress student wing NSUI National President Neeraj Kundan said that it is ridiculous that students have not been vaccinated yet and they are being asked to thank our Prime Minister. Students will be grateful if the government announces their fee or education loan waiver.

Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union vice-president Saket Moon alleged that the government was trying to use the situation for its propaganda. This is not good.

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