NEW DELHI: Discriminating against people with HIV and AIDS may soon land the offenders in jail for a maximum of two years besides a fine of up to Rs one lakh, with the Government today approving amendments to a draft law.
The draft law seeks to protect the interests of AIDS patients and those infected with HIV virus by bringing in legal accountability and establishing a mechanism to probe complaints against those who discriminate against such people.
The Union Cabinet approved amendments to ‘The HIV and AIDS Bill, 2014’ under which those discrimiating against such persons will get a minimum of three months and a maximum of two years imprisonment and have to cough up a fine of up to Rs one lakh.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda said the bill makes it mandatory for State and the Central Government to provide Antiretroviral therapy (ART) “as far as possible”.
The bill lists various grounds on which discrimination against HIV positive persons and those living with them will be prohibited including denial, termination, discontinuation or unfair treatment with regard to employment, educational establishments, health care services, residing or renting property, amongst others.
Under the proposed bill, organisations with 100 employees must have a complaint officer to look into the grivances of the persons with HIV and AIDs, while every state has been mandated to have an ombudsman who will look into the violations under this Act once it has been passed. (AGENCIES)
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