A Booster Shot

Increased outlays for health, ₹35,000 crore for Covid-19 vaccines to help cope with immediate needs in light of the pandemic and help prepare for future eventualities

- DIVYA J SHEKHAR

FINANCE MINISTER

Nirmala Sitharaman earmarked ₹35,000 crore toward Covid-19 vaccines in Union Budget 2021. “I am committed to provide further funds if required,” she said, adding that two more vaccines will be rolled out soon. Currently, India has granted emergency use authorisation for Covaxin, developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, and Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India in Pune.