HIV test be made compulsory before marriage: Minister

Puducherry, Dec 1 (UNI) Asserting that HIV test should be made compulsory before marriage in the Union Terittory also, as in Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry Tourism Minister Malladi Krishna Rao today said he would put forth a proposal in this regard in the Cabinet.

Inauguratring a workshop for commune and village panchayat leaders, on the occasion of 'World AIDS Day' today, Mr Rao said 50 per cent of the HIV possitive people belonged to the age group between 15 and 25.

In order to create awareness about the disease, as many as 50,000 books were distributed to every house in Yanam constituency during 2006, he said, adding that a society in the region was also providing financial assistance of Rs 300 per month as well as nutritious food to AIDS patients at an expense of Rs 27,000 a month.

Speaking on the occasion, PMK parliamentary party leader M Ramadass said the village panchayat President had the responsibility to create awareness about AIDS in villages, thereby avoiding the violation of Human Rights by isolating the patients, suppering from the disese.

Prof Ramadass also called for a fresh survey of AIDS patients here to find out whether the incidence of AIDS in the union territory was high.

Director of Health Services Dilip Kumar Baliga said both the bride and bridegroom should conduct HIV test and exchange the certificates before marriage instead of exchanging horoscope.

UNI