Wed Jan 07 12:32:44 UTC 2026: ### Headline: CIC Orders Affidavit Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Funding, Raising Transparency Questions

The Story:

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to formally affirm via affidavit that it does not possess information regarding government funding provided to COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. This directive comes in response to a Right to Information (RTI) appeal filed by Mahavir Singh Sharma, who sought details on the allocation of thousands of crores of rupees to these companies. While the DPIIT initially stated the information was “not available” with its logistics division, the CIC’s order aims to solidify this claim, ensuring a formal record of the department’s stance.

The RTI application encompassed a range of queries, including whether the ₹4,500 crore released to the manufacturers without bank guarantees had been repaid, if vaccine doses were delivered in lieu of the funds, details of vaccine exports, the total expenditure on Covishield and Covaxin purchases, and whether all Indian citizens received vaccinations. The DPIIT maintains that the requested information is not held by its division, asserting that the original RTI application was filed with the Department of Biotechnology before being transferred.

Key Points:

  • The CIC has directed the DPIIT to file an affidavit stating information on COVID-19 vaccine funding is “not available.”
  • The directive stems from an RTI appeal by Mahavir Singh Sharma seeking details of government funding to Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech.
  • The DPIIT’s logistics division claims it does not possess the requested information.
  • The RTI application included questions on funding repayment, vaccine exports, and vaccination coverage in India.
  • The CIC requires the affidavit to formally document the DPIIT’s claim of non-availability.

Critical Analysis:

The instruction from the CIC indicates that the Government is making a move to be as transparent as possible when questioned by the public. The repeated referral between departments could signal internal miscommunication or possibly even deliberate avoidance of accountability regarding the fundings related to the Covid-19 pandemic

Key Takeaways:

  • Transparency surrounding government funding for COVID-19 vaccines remains a key issue.
  • The CIC is actively pursuing accountability and formal documentation of government information.
  • The DPIIT’s inability to provide information raises questions about inter-departmental communication and record-keeping.
  • Public interest in the details of vaccine procurement and distribution remains high.
  • Even in 2026, the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to generate transparency demands.

Impact Analysis:

This event is significant because it highlights the ongoing scrutiny of government actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand for transparency regarding vaccine funding and procurement will likely persist. The CIC’s directive sets a precedent for formally documenting claims of information unavailability, potentially leading to greater accountability in future RTI cases. A key long-term impact will be the effect this has on how Government is perceived and trusted by its citizens.

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