Mumbai: Municipal Commissioner Prohibits Political Advertisements At Vaccination Centres

Mumbai, 15th June 2021: The municipal administration has banned the erection of billboards, advertisements, and murals of political parties outside the government as well as private or industrial vaccination centres.

Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal has warned that the centres violating these rules will be de-recognized.

On 3rd June, the Municipal Commissioner had issued an order that no party should place advertisements or take credit at the municipal vaccination centre. But in the last ten days, it has not changed. In many places, political parties are visible outside the vaccination centres. Therefore, the Municipal Commissioner has once again issued a circular on Monday warning to stop political hoarding.

As the instructions given by the commissioner are being continuously violated, the commissioner has issued strict guidelines to the vaccination centres. The commissioner also said that it was not appropriate to make such advertisements for political gain.

Political advertisements and posters on private immunization sub-centres are also prohibited in municipal, government, or private vaccination centres, as well as industrial establishments (various companies and offices) and housing complexes. Some MPs are taking credit for coordinating between private vaccination centres and housing societies and private companies. The commissioner is trying to control it.

Mandatory Agreement with Private Institutions: Private vaccination centres are allowed to vaccinate in housing societies or industrial establishments. However, it has been directed that these centres should enter into reconciliation agreements with the institutions. The agreement also stipulates that medical staff and ambulances available through private vaccination centres should be mentioned clearly.

External centres banned in Mumbai: The Municipal Commissioner has also clarified that vaccination centres outside Mumbai will not be allowed to conduct vaccinations in Mumbai. The commissioner has warned that if any of the new rules are violated, a show-cause notice will be issued to the centre and the recognition will be revoked.