BHOPAL: Convincing people in the villages about corona vaccination is still a tough nut to crack but CM Shivraj Singh Chouhanís appeal to religious heads has now started paying dividends.
The latest incident comes from a village named Nipania Jat in Phanda Block, around 18 km from the state capital. The vaccination drive did not show desired results in this Muslim dominated village.
Janpad Panchayat CEO, Upendra Singh Sengar decided to give a boost to otherwise slogging vaccination drive in his area. He handed over the responsibility of vaccination drive to his officer, ADO (Assistant Development Officer) Aslam Khan.
Aslam reached that village mosque at the time of afternoon prayers. He first performed the prayer and then interacted with Imam of the mosque. ìI told him that through you (Imam) I want to address people and quell misinformation about corona vaccine,î said Aslam.
Aslam, who went there prepared with a plan, showed a Fatwa from proper authority, issued from Bhopal, about a month ago. He explained the content of fatwa saying that Islam says that one should take care of oneís life and there is no harm or restriction opting for vaccination.
ìBesides explaining about fatwa, I also explained them about government orders and impending threat of third wave of corona pandemic. First I convinced the Imam, who readily obliged,î added Aslam.
The moment Imam of the mosque gave a nod, more than a dozen Muslims got ready to take the jab. ADO Aslam didnít lose time and immediately took them to the nearest vaccination camp and got them inoculated.
Before leaving the village, Imam called group of Muslims and administered them oath that they will get vaccinated and also motivate others also to get 100% village population vaccinated.
ìThe fatwa helped us a lot. Interestingly, CEO MP Waqf Board took the initiative to get fatwa on vaccination which is now yielding result,î said Upendra Singh Sengar, CEO Janpad Panchayat.