The Nagpur District Collector R Vimala has issued directives to all government employees in her office that unvaccinated employees will not get their salaries if they do not get themselves vaccinated soon. Even people who have received their first dose of vaccination have been directed to get their second dose within the prescribed number of days (84 days), to avoid withholding of their salaries.

These orders were issued by Vimala last week in a meeting with the departmental heads. It is reported that similar measures may be taken at the Nagpur Municipal Corporation soon. Vimala also conveyed that similar directives will be issued in other districts of Maharashtra to complete the vaccination drive.

As of now, more than 80 per cent of eligible district residents have taken their first dose of the vaccine and 39.97 per cent have taken their second dose.

A release by the government also mentions that only fully-vaccinated employees will be able to enjoy all the employee benefits related to medical schemes and healthcare benefits.

On the eve of Diwali, Vimala also encouraged people to get vaccinated as soon as possible through a video she posted on social media. As per Vimala, cases of corona are being reported on a daily basis at the district even now, and people are being advised to take all COVID-related precautions such as wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing in public. She also encouraged private-sector employers to make vaccination mandatory for employees.