PM Modi's photo on vaccination certificates provided to 'raise awareness': Centre defends in Rajya Sabha

The written response of junior health minister Bharati Pravin Pawar came amid huge criticisms by the opposition that started way before a string of assembly elections held earlier this year.

Opposition parties had claimed that PM Modi's photo on the vaccination certificate was used for his self-promotion.

Several opposition-ruled states including Punjab, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh had even gone to the extent of removing the photo from the certificates they issued.

Presently, the Centre has taken the charge of procuring the vaccines across the country, barring in private hospitals.

States, though, are still in charge of administering the vaccines.

On Tuesday, the health ministry was asked if it was necessary to print the photo of PM Modi on the vaccination certificate.

"The photograph along with the message of the Prime Minister in the vaccination certificates reinforces the message for creating awareness about the importance of following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour even after vaccination, in the larger public interest," Pawar said in her written reply.

She said it is the "moral and ethical responsibility" of the government to ensure that such critical messages reach the people and remain effective.

"The format of vaccination certificate, compliant with WHO norms for vaccination certificates, including the message and presentation about the importance of following Covid-appropriate behaviour even after vaccination, has been decided keeping all these factors in consideration," her reply added.