The Cabinet on Wednesday gave its nod to the proposal to introduce amendments to the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014

The HIV and AIDS Bill, 2014 has been drafted to safeguard the rights of around 21 lakh people.

The Bill “seeks to address HIV related discrimination, strengthen the existing programme by bringing in legal accountability and establish formal mechanisms for inquiring into complaints and redressing grievances,” said a statement.

List of circumstances

Under the terms, discrimination against anyone infected with HIV is prohibited and the Bill gives a comprehensive list of circumstances under which patients are often victimised, such as employment, educational establishments, health care services, residing or renting property, standing for public or private office, and provision of insurance. The Bill also says that no one can be forced to take an HIV test as a prerequisite for accessing healthcare, education or getting a job. It further reinforces the need for informed consent and confidentiality for HIV-related testing, treatment and clinical research. Though the Bill, says the State should provide treatment ‘as far as possible’, it is unclear if the bill will provide for care free of cost.

“Free and complete treatment is the core of the Bill for us. We hope that the Bill cleared by the Cabinet is providing it”, said Paul Lhungdim of Delhi Network of Positive People.

The decision was welcomed by civil society members. But the transgender community is unhappy at being excluded. “We have been demanding for the passing of this Bill for the last 10 years,” said Manoj Pardesi of the National Coalition of People Living with HIV.

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