HIV-positive and AIDS-affected students are not being treated with dignity and respect in the country even as the Central and state governments look the other way. In a shocking revelation, government statistics have revealed that as many as 61 children have been expelled or removed from various schools across India over the last three years after they were found to be HIV-positive.
Andhra Pradesh has the worst record with 27 HIV-positive students expelled from its schools. Next is West Bengal with 13 and Haryana with nine expelled students. Other states on the list are Gujarat (four students), Kerala (four) UP (three) and Maharashtra (one). Government statistics on the expulsions of students after they were found to be HIV-positive pertain to 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Sources revealed that all schools involved have been let off lightly by the HRD ministry and the respective state education boards despite demands for severe penalties and de-recognition of such schools. “Though there is a provision for much harsher penalties for schools indulging in such inhuman and insensitive practices, various boards have decided to go easy on such schools,” sources stated.