Unlike the rest of the country, the polio drive in the state is being brought forward by a week

While the polio drive will start across the country on August 28, it will begin in Maharashtra today, owing to the festive season ahead.

However, state officials expect a tepid response, fearing that many might not be aware that the date for the drive has been brought forward in the state. There will also be the added hindrance of the shoestring budget permitted for advertising such drives, and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's no-banner policy diktat.

According to the Government of India's norms, each polio booth will be allocated Rs 40 for a single banner and a total of Rs 16 for four posters. "With such few funds available, it will be difficult to popularise the drive," said a senior state health official, requesting anonymity.

This polio drive, this year, will be conducted only in high-risk areas in the country. In this drive, vaccines will be administered in the whole of Mumbai, seven blocks in Thane, four blocks in Raigad and the entire Malegaon region. Only in Mumbai, 4,800 booths will be set up.

The drive will begin on August 21 and instead of ending on Friday, will be extended till Saturday.