The vaccination programme was launched for members of the Kannada film industry. The vaccination drive in concern with film industry was launched by Deputy CM of Karnataka and State COVID Task Force chairman Dr CN Ashwath Narayan.

The aim of the programme was to vaccinate all the 15000 artistes in the industry, aged above 18 years. On Monday, Dr Narayan stated that the state government has decided to purchase vaccines directly from the manufacturing companies. During the inauguration of the vaccine programme, Dr Narayan said, “In response to the short-term global tender that was floated on May 15, a Bengaluru-based and a Mumbai-based company had submitted applications. But they had not submitted the required technical and supply ensuring documents.” He further added that, “There was no representation from these companies during the virtual meetings as well.” The wait for COVID-19 vaccine has been for long and due to the threat of the third wave, they directly contacted the manufacturing companies. Dr Narayan also said that vaccines will be provided to all the 15,000 artistes from the Kannada film industry, aged above 18 years. Additionally, the state Covid task force head will discuss with the CM of Karnataka, BS Yediyurappa, about providing ration kits to them. Meanwhile, the state is under lockdown till June 7 after an alarming rise in the number of Covid-19 cases. Dr Narayan said, “It is not appropriate now to decide about the continuation or lifting of lockdown. It will be decided based on expert opinion, facts and figures. However, certain activities need some relaxation in order to balance life and livelihood.”

MP Sumalatha Ambareesh, Artists Association President, Rockline Venkatesh and veteran actor Doddanna were among those who held consultations with the Deputy CM on the problems related to cine artistes.

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