Short circuit caused fire at Serum Institute: Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday mentioned the fire that broke out at the Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune final month, by which 5 individuals died, was caused on account of brief circuit.

Five labourers had died within the fire that broke out in a five-storey constructing within the SII’s Manjari premises in Pune on January 21. However, the Covishield vaccine manufacturing was not impacted as a result of blaze.

Mr. Pawar, whereas addressing the media after the annual normal assembly of districts beneath Pune division forward of the State Budget, mentioned he had visited the institute after the fire within the presence of senior officers, together with the collector.

“The premises where the blaze erupted was empty and work was going on there. It is a private institute and they are carrying out their audit. The government is also investigating. There is no other cause behind the fire other than short circuit,” he mentioned.

Speaking concerning the vaccination drive towards COVID-19, Mr. Pawar mentioned Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had initially given a press release that the Centre shall be offering vaccination to all.

“He later gave a statement that they will be providing vaccine to three crore people, including paramedical staff and security forces. And now, he has again given a statement that 30 crore people will be given the vaccine,” Mr. Pawar mentioned.

“The Health Minister has been giving different statements, but if you ask the State government’s opinion, every State feels that it is the Centre’s responsibility to provide the vaccine,” he added.

If all States request the Centre, it must settle for their demand, he mentioned. Meanwhile, Mr. Pawar reiterated that Shiv Jayanti or the beginning anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji needs to be celebrated in a easy method in view of the pandemic.

“Not more than 100 people should gather at one place for the celebrations,” he added.