India managed to keep its COVID-19 losses to minimum: Prakash Javadekar

Despite its huge population, India has succeeded in keeping its "coronavirus-related losses to a minimum" compared to USA and or European countries, Union minister Prakash Javekar said here on Sunday.

Speaking after flagging off a vehicle campaign aimed at dispelling rumours about COVID-19 vaccines, Information and Brocasting Minister said more than 50 lakh healthcare and frontline workers have been iculated since vaccination drive began on January 16.

This campaign will also spre awareness about government's efforts towards achieving aim of "aatmanirbhar Bharat".

Apparently referring to COVID-19 fatalities in India, Javekar said, " whole world is fighting coronavirus. However, even with its population of 130 crore, India has mand to keep its losses lesser than USA, and or countries in Latin America and Europe".

India's tally of COVID-19 cases rose to1,08,26,363 with 12,059 new infections being reported in a day, while daily deaths fell below 100 for third time this month, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

death toll increased to 1,54,996 with 78 daily new fatalities, lowest recorded after nine months, data updated at 8 am on Sunday showed.

Javekar said a "new phase of communication" has begun with launch of COVID-19 vaccination. "After iculating healthcare and frontline workers, people above of 50 years will be vaccinated, and entire population later," Union minister said.

Officials said this vehicle campaign intends to take mess of COVID-19 vaccination and pandemic- appropriate behaviour to last mile in Maharashtra.

Artistes of song and drama division of I&B Ministry will spre awareness through folk performances popular in respective regions of Maharashtra, y said. Under this campaign, 16 specially-fabricated vans will travel across 36 districts of state.

drive has been designed and implemented by Regional Outreach Bureau of Ministry of Information and Brocasting in collaboration with World Health Organisation, UNICEF and IEC Division of Maharashtra health department. vans will also display messs through LED screens. se vehicles will be live tracked through GPS, officials said.

Meanwhile, speaking with reporters on Union Budget 2021-22, which was presented in parliament on February 1, Javekar defended proposed privatisation of public sector undertakings.

" privatisation will help to save tax-payers' money that are being spent on loss-making companies. Union government's stand is clear on divesting such entities," he said.

BJP leer said such a move on divestment was dubbed "sale of an ornament" when Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government was in power, but that decision proved helpful ultimately. "Such PSU's are t ornaments," he ded.

When asked about Tesla's proposed entry in Karnataka and Maharashtra failing to attract company, he said, "in a competition, one wins while ar loses.

"However, to attract such investment, states should have friendly relationships with foreign companies," he said. Javekar said Budget indicates government's views on aatmanirbhar Bharat. "We have allocated funds for infrastructure development, but did t levy any tax," he ded.