Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 14 2010:
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Md alauddin khan has announced that job cards under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme would be issued to people living with HIV/AIDS from the year 2011 .
The Minister made the announcement at a one day community level convention on HIV/AIDS organised yesterday by Urup Khunou Youth Club under the sponsorship of Manipur Legislator's Forum on HIV/AIDS at Kyamgei High Madrassa.
In his presidential address of the convention, the Minister said under the NREGS programmes being implemented in the country with District Rural Development Agency as the implementing agency, the job cards would be issued to people living with HIV/AIDS which will ensure 100 working days in a calendar year.
Moreover, he also declared that from his MLA Local Area Development fund incentive amount of Rs 100 each would be provided to every HIV/AIDS infected person living in the Keirao Assembly Constituency from February, 2011 .
Speaking as the chief guest, Speaker in-charge of Manipur Legislative Assembly Th Lokeshore called upon every citizen to ensure that the HIV/AIDS infected persons are not alienated from society for and personal experiences are vital components in the combat against the virus.
Stating that it is equally important for the citizens to contribute their mite in eradicating HIV/AIDS from the surface of the earth, Lokeshore reminded that only through coordinated effort can the disease be checked from spreading.
Delivering the key-note address of the convention, State Coordinator of UN-AIDS Sushil Huidrom advocated that discrimination of HIV/AIDS infected should cease immediately to sustain the combat against the virus while advising those living with HIV/AIDS to declare their status and join the fight the disease, as well as to wipe away all stigmas.