Telangana has joined the league of about 13 States which have already announced free vaccination for individuals above the age of 18. From May 1, those above 18 are eligible to receive Covid-19 vaccination.

On Saturday, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said that the State will have to spend as much as Rs 2,500 Cr towards the drive.

Saying that the earmarked figure is nothing compared to the precious lives of Telangnites saved by the vaccine, the CM added that so far 35 lakh people have been vaccinated in the State.

A day before, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy made a similar announcement. The burden on the state exchequer is not going to be huge at all. It's estimated that, together with the Centre and the States, not more than Rs 80,000 Cr will be spend to vaccinat the entire population of India.