Thread by @internetfreedom

Essential government benefits cannot be made conditional on vaccination status!

'No vaccination, no pension,' a #Karnataka Deputy Commissioner had said — and we followed up on its legal basis.

Could there be one? Follow this thread 👇🏽 1/n
internetfreedom.in/vaccines-shoul…

It was reported that for BPL & anthyodaya cardholders, vaccination was compulsory to receive benefits. In the face of outrage, the #Karnataka DC clarified that no such order was passed. While this immediate threat has diminished, we've seen multiple such statements recently. 2/n

In the present context of the COVID-19 pandemic, to deny people essential rations (or other government benefits) for being unvaccinated would only exacerbate the existing food and nutrition crisis.

IMPORTANT: Are such steps even legal? We broke it down for you. 🧵 3/n

Right now, government rations are covered under the National Food Security Act 2013, where the criterion for eligibility is *purely economic*. Not just this, but various High Courts have also been on record stating that govt. benefits cannot be used to force vaccinations. 4/n

#COWIN doesn't have a great track record anyway. There are several issues, like:

👉🏽 Free market pricing of vaccines & pushing responsibility on states can become barriers for access

👉🏽 Mandating online registrations without walk-in access will further entrench inequalities. 5/n

IFF hopes that central, state, and local administrations refrain from using such draconian measures to further India’s vaccination targets, especially since nutrition levels are still below pre-pandemic levels & vaccines are not yet in adequate supply or easily accessible. 6/n

We urge the government to focus on improving vaccine supplies and reducing vaccine hesitancy through other means, so that the citizens of India do not have to worry or go hungry in such devastating times.

If you think our mission matters, keep us going!

internetfreedom.in/donate/