Govt spent Rs 1,000-1,500 for rabies vaccine costing Rs 350-500 in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: In a shocking revelation, the government has allegedly inflated the number of stray dogs vaccinated against rabies. The state government has spent a whopping Rs 27 crore on vaccinating and sterilising dogs in Bengaluru alone, while the same services cost only Rs 17 lakh in other districts.

The controversy surrounds the cost of rabies vaccines, which are allegedly being procured at inflated prices. Normally, the cost of a rabies vaccine ranges from Rs 350-500, but the government claims to have spent Rs 1,000-1,500 per vaccine in Bengaluru.

The government claims to have vaccinated and sterilised over 1.4 lakh dogs across the state, but the numbers don’t add up. In Bengaluru, the government has spent:

2023-24: Rs 9,70,59,155 (49,511 sterilized, 98,099 vaccinated)

2024-25: Rs 8,37,87,019 (35,891 sterilized, 88,572 vaccinated)

2025-26: Rs 9,25,26,097 (27,494 sterilized, 88,572 vaccinated)

Total expenditure in 3 years: Rs 27,33,72,271

In contrast, the government spent only Rs 17 lakh on vaccinating and sterilising dogs in other districts. The discrepancy in spending between Bengaluru and other districts has raised eyebrows, with opposition leaders demanding an investigation into the alleged scam.

The government’s explanation for the huge difference in costs is being questioned, and many are calling for accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.