State higher & technical department plans to inoculate nearly 37 lakh college students aged 18-25 at university and college campuses. A final decision will be taken after consulting chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, said higher & technical Education minister Uday Samant. The minister said the department should be declared an essential service for smooth processing of results. He said exams for 13 non-agricultural state universities will be held online due to Covid-19.
As the Centre announced a vaccination drive for all above 18 from May 1, Samant said his department will consult the CM, Health department and cabinet colleagues to initiate the drive for students to ensure the next academic session starts without delay. There are around 37 lakh students, for whom the state can arrange vaccination at university level, to avoid crowding at vaccination centres.