THE CIVIC body has scored a first by deciding to set up schools exclusively for the children challenged by HIV-positive and AIDS.
The proposed schools, probably first of its kind, will cater to the special requirements of HIV-positive children with same facilities that are provided to
children studying in others civic schools.
Despite a prohibition of discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS and their families in health facilities, employment institution and schools, such discrimination is visible in the society. Keeping that in view, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has decided to set up such schools exclusively for HIV positive children.
Atul Patne, the additional municipal commissioner of NMC said that there were around 85 HIV-infected children in the city in the age group of two months to 14 years. These children suffer for no fault of theirs. A desensitized society is further making life difficult for them, depriving them of a dignified life and the basic rights of children. The NMC will set up these special schools in different areas of the city from the next academic session. Groups of HIV-affected children, residing close-by will be formed and enrolled in these schools to be set up closer to their localities. For this, a classroom would be provided either in NMC-run dispensaries or community halls in the same area.