Diversified Mahindra Group stated that it has registered interest to seek COVID-19 vaccines for its employees, as per priorities and sequence to be specified by the government.

The farm equipment-to-aerospace conglomerate said it would take the responsibility for the inoculation of its employees rather than have the government subsidize them.

A Mahindra Group spokesperson said in a statement, “We have registered our interest to seek vaccines for our employees, in accordance with the priorities and sequence to be specified by the government.”

The spokesperson further said, "We believe it is our duty to take responsibility for the inoculation of our employees, rather than have the government subsidize them."

India has rolled out the world's biggest vaccination program on Saturday with over 2.24 lakh healthcare workers inoculated on the first day of the much-anticipated drive against coronavirus.

The vaccination drive has been planned in a phased manner, identifying priority groups. Healthcare workers, both in government and private sectors including ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) workers, will receive the vaccine during this phase, according to the health ministry.

The Mahindra Group has a presence in over 100 countries, employing over 2.5 lakh people. If corporates take the onus to bear the cost of vaccination for their employees, it will give further impetus to the program.