Odisha: Ganjam traders offer discounts to vaccinated

BERHAMPUR: The residents of areas that come under Hinjili Municipality in Ganjam district will get a discount of at least five per cent on the purchase of grocery from shops in the town. The condition being that the buyer’s will hare to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
The move aims to shake off tire reluctance among the general masses to take the vaccine and create greater awareness about the importance of vaccination.
At least 10 such shopkeepers have made this offer following appeals from the Hinjili Municipality. “We have only requested the traders to offer some discount to the consumers who have been fully vaccinated. At least 10 grocery shop owners have agreed to offer a 5% discount of 5% on the purchase of ration," Manorapjan Sahu, the executive officer. Hinjili Municipality, said. He added that the civic body would not bear the compensation of the losses that the traders would incur in the process. They will compensate for the losses from the profits they make. It’s a part of tire initiative of community participation in the vaccination drive to fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, he said.
"We will offer a 5% discount on the total purchase of the ration, if the buyer shows his/ her’ vaccination certificates", a trader of Hinjili said.
Such initiatives will also be taken up in some other urban areas. including Berhampur. to encourage people to for the shot. “We are in talks with the Ganjam chamber of commerce. Our aim is to achieve 100% vaccination coverage in the district at the earliest to protect the residents from Covid-19." an official said.
“There is no shortage of vaccines for those above 45 years of age. The Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) has set up vaccination centres in different areas for the smooth conduct of the drive. We have also vaccinated the elder and disabled persons," BeMC commissioner Sidheswar Bahrain Borrdare said.
Out of the total target of 9,75,607 people above 45 years of age as many as 4,96,106 people have been given the first dose of the vaccine, which accouts for around 51% of tire population. Similarly 1,06,307 persons of the same age group have taken their second dose, which makes up around 37 % of the population. This apart, around 1.12 lakh persons in the age group of 18-44 have been vaccinated so far.