Vaccinate staff of banks, insurance companies on a priority basis: FinMin to states
Out of the total strength of 13.5 lakh employees in the banking sector, about 600 deaths due to Covid-19 were recorded last year, as per the IBA data
New Delhi: The finance ministry on Friday asked state governments to accord priority to employees of banks and insurance companies for Covid-19 vaccination, saying they are exposed to high risks during these difficult times.
Department of Financial Services Secretary Debasish Panda, in a letter, addressed to chief secretaries of states and union territories, said states should consider a special dispensation for vaccination of staff of banks, insurance companies, business correspondents, payment systems, and other financial services providers on priority.
“All state/UT governments are requested to instruct local authorities to provide the necessary help and support in ensuring delivery of banking and financial services. Vaccinating them on priority will mitigate their high exposure to risk in the delivery of public service,” he said.
Panda also asked the chief secretaries to instruct district administration and local authorities to cooperate with bank and financial services employees, provide adequate security to them and not impede their functioning or movement.
Last month, the Department of Financial Services requested the health and home ministries for issuing instructions for enabling Covid-19 vaccination of employees of banks and those involved in the banking activities.
Out of the total strength of 13.5 lakh employees in the banking sector, about 600 deaths due to Covid-19 were recorded last year, as per the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) data.