BENGALURU: With the government deciding to conduct a special drive to vaccinate all college students above the age of 18 in their respective campuses, college managements have raised issues concerning logistics.
Some colleges said BBMP officials have told them they may not be able to provide sufficient doses in one go.
Students too are miffed since many are back in their hometowns and villages and would have to travel back just to get the shot.
Besides students, faculty and non-teaching staff will be considered part of the priority group and they will be vaccinated in July on campuses as per guidelines issued by the central government.
Validation letters issued by respective institutions need to be submitted to get the shot.
The head of the institution and another official will be appointed as nodal officers in every institution.
But a college principal said getting doses could be a problem and pointed out that the government must ensure adequate supply.
“We got in touch with our nearest vaccination centres and officials told us that they might not be able to provide that many doses in one go.
Now, colleges with clout will hog all the doses, while others will have to wait.
Bangalore University has mandated that students must be inoculated if they are to attend classes on campuses.
We will need the shot quickly since exams are pending,” said the principal.
Some also said the government should look at allowing students to take the vaccine wherever possible instead of conducting drives in colleges.
“The government should also arrange for students to get vaccinated in their hometowns instead of making them come to campuses, just as it has allowed SSLC students to appear for exams in their native places,” said a lecturer from Maharani Cluster University.
“Students should be able to get the vaccine by furnishing their ID card.
Many of our students are from districts in North Karnataka.
Hostels are not open.
Students will have to travel to get vaccinated and travel back.” The other concern of college managements is hesitancy among students and parents to get vaccinated.
“Bangalore University has said students have to take vaccines if they have to come to college or write their exams.
Many students are still hesitant.
There has to be a confidence-building session,” said the principal of a management college.
Some colleges said preparations are already on for the inoculation drive.
“Our auditorium is ready.
Whenever BBMP releases doses, we will be able to administer it to students.
Government has to provide us with the vaccine at the correct time,” said BR Supreet, secretary, Oxford institutions, Ullal.
CN Ashwath Narayan, minister for higher education said on-campus classes for college students will resume once all students get the first dose of the vaccine.