COVID Vaccination: FICCI sought govt for ‘frontline workers’, retail industry employees

Employees in list of ‘frontline workers’ for COVID vaccination: FICCI has written a letter to the Union Ministry of Health for the Government Industry Chamber to include retail industry employees in the list of ‘frontline workers’ for the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. has sought.

The retail staff as well as the Kairana community should be recognized as workers frontline workers’ because they are serving the country despite being the most vulnerable to infection risk.

“Frontline retail warriors should be given priority in the initial phase of vaccination rollout,” said Arvind Mediratta, Chairperson, FICCI Retail & Internal Trade Committee and MD & CEO – Metro Cash & Carry India Private Limited.

He said industry leaders jointly discussed the need for private sector intervention in the vaccination program and emphasized on prioritizing retail employees as well as small retailers such as mom and pop grocery stores.

The Indian retail and e-commerce industry employs about 40 million people. In a letter to Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, FICCI said that those working in stores, distribution centers, warehouses and the entire retail ecosystem are most at risk from the devastating effects of the epidemic.

“It is therefore important that the retail industry be included in the list of ‘frontline workers’ and among the earliest recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Chambers.