The opposition parties have criticised the Centre’s policy for the next phase of vaccination starting May 1 when everyone aged above 18 will be allowed to take the shots. The Congress on Tuesday alleged the changes will worsen the inequality between states as well as between poor and rich Indians, and demanded uniform pricing for the vaccines at all health facilities.

Questioning the pricing modalities under the new policy, which allows manufacturers to fix the prices of their shots, the Congress said the plan was “regressive, inequitable and anti-competitive”. The party also said the new policy would put additional burden on cash-strapped states. The Centre on Monday said private hospitals and states will be able to buy doses from manufacturers.