Nowadays travellers are asked to carry an RT-PCR negative report having validity of 72 hours, which may vary from State to State. Such reports are randomly checked at airports, railway stations, bus stops and even on highways at State Borders from on road commuters; which becomes a troublesome exercise for such travellers and burdensome for frequent travellers.
Taking this issue in public interest, Vidarbha Taxpayers Association (VTA) dispatched memorandum to Narendra Modi – Prime Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan – Union Health Minister and Prof. Balram Bhargava – Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi with request to withdraw mandatory requirement of RT-PCR negative report from travellers who are fully vaccinated.
Shrawankumar Malu – president VTA appreciated the efforts with results of the Centre & the State Governments, ICMR, Administration, Hospitals along with their respective staff & machinery for taking Country to the topmost position as most vaccinated citizens, although if we compare it with our population, then we still need to do much more and certainly our December 2021 target seems achievable. However, with 57 million plus citizens fully vaccinated it can be said that the majority of the urban population, especially the 45+ age group has achieved fully vaccinated status and surely those travel regularly.
Tejinder Singh Renu – secretary of VTA submitted that fortunately we have a barcode on the vaccination report; therefore its genuineness can be verified by the cops, if there are any doubts. To make verification further smooth, some apps or websites can be made by the Government for cops to verify vaccination details by entering their Aadhar number and such apps need to be updated every day.
VTA highlighted that such RT-PCR requirement also adds to the corruption as few cops may allow passengers to cross state borders, if the traveller greases their palm. Furthermore, by enlarge citizens are nowadays smart & educated enough to follow all guidelines as this second wave has caused a serious fear factor amongst the citizens.
VTA requests the Government that it’s highly recommended that the RT-PCR negative report requirement for travellers who carry fully vaccinated status, should be withdrawn. This will make travel easy and will gradually give a much needed boost to the economy.
