Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Friday that the government will launch a scheme and allocate funds in the upcoming fiscal year to provide educational opportunities for children affected by AIDS. During an awareness rally on World AIDS Day, Sukhu also pledged financial assistance of Rs one lakh to women dealing with AIDS. Emphasizing the theme ‘Let Communities Lead,’ he urged everyone to support those facing the challenges of the disease.
Sukhu highlighted the positive shift in societal attitudes towards individuals with AIDS, attributing it to continuous awareness programs over the past decade. He assured that the present government is committed to providing comprehensive assistance to those affected by AIDS.
In addition to the educational initiative, the government plans to introduce schemes for widows and specially-abled children in the upcoming budget. There is also consideration for establishing a school or college for specially-abled children in the state. Sukhu expressed solidarity with the government’s efforts to improve education for these children and integrate them into society.
During the event, the chief minister presented awards to organizations for their notable contributions in preventing the spread of AIDS. Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil affirmed the state government’s commitment to addressing HIV and other serious diseases, emphasizing that proper care and medications can enable HIV patients to lead normal lives. The occasion also featured a short play aimed at raising awareness about AIDS.