Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 18:
Two private member resolutions moved by BD Behring and S Natum were withdrawn after minute discussion by the House today.
Moving his private member resolution, BD Behring suggested making unmarried couples undergo the Elisa test for HIV necessary before they tie the knots.
Giving statistics to support his move, Behring said that of the blood samples screened for people between the age of 21 and 30, 51.43 pc have been found to be HIV positive.
To check the further spread of the virus, the MLA suggested enacting a law to let all unmarried couples undergo a blood test before they tie the knot.
The MLA further said that it would be proper to extend the facilities to screen blood for HIV in all the district hospitals and primary health centres.
At the moment this facility is available only at RIMS and JN Hospital.
Replying to the resolution moved by BD Behring, Health Minister L Nandakumar said that individuals may volunteer to take the HIV test, but it will not be convenient to make such test compulsory for unmarried couples.
Enacting such a law may also prove counter-productive, he added.
As the WHO, National AIDS Control Organisation and MACS do not have the compulsory test on their agenda, hectic discussion is underway to see what is the best option that can be taken up, said the Minister.
Apart from providing the service of counsellors, the State Govt is taking up efforts on a war footing to meet the challenge of AIDS under the State AIDS policy, added Nandakumar.
Efforts will also be made to extend the AIDS test facility at the district hospitals, he added.
After minute discussion, Behring agreed to withdraw his resolution.
MNC MLA S Natum also moved a private member resolution seeking to enact a new land policy to save the agricultural land in the valley areas.
The MLA said that large tract of agricultural land have made way for schools and offices which has led to a decrease in food productivity.
He urged the House to consider his resolution and enact a policy to save agricultural land.
Agriculture Minister Ph Parijat informed the MLA that an Agriculture Draft Policy is being prepared to save the agricultural land.
The Minister said that on an average about 15 acres of agricultural land is lost every year.
To help the tillers of the soil earn a decent income for their vocation, the policy will also set new targets to increase the agricultural productivity, said Parijat.
Joining in Chief Minister O Ibobi said that if needed the law enacted to protect agricultural land may be amended to make it more effective.