HIV Awareness Drive in Rajnandgaon: Yogendra Pratap Singh Stresses Zero Discrimination Against HIV-Positive Individuals
Rajnandgaon (BTI)- In a step towards creating a more inclusive society, a coordination meeting was held under the Link Worker Scheme Project operated by Jankalyan Social Institute, Rajnandgaon, in collaboration with Chhattisgarh State AIDS Control Society, Raipur. The meeting was also supported by the Chhattisgarh PLHIV Network (Vihaan Project), focusing on the welfare of people living with HIV (PLHIV).
The event began with an introductory session, where participants shared their names, addresses, work areas, and personal experiences related to the field. The Vihaan Project Coordinator, Vinod Lahari, provided an in-depth explanation of the objectives and vision of the Vihaan initiative, emphasizing the creation of a supportive environment for HIV-positive individuals.
Lahari highlighted that PLHIV should be treated as equals in society, with the right to lead a dignified life like any other individual. He also shed light on the various government schemes available for the welfare of HIV-positive individuals. These include transportation concessions such as bus passes, the Noni Suraksha Yojana, scholarships for HIV-positive children, labor cards, and ration card schemes, among others. Lahari stressed that these schemes aim to integrate PLHIV into the mainstream and empower them socially and economically.
The session further addressed the legal protections provided under the HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017. Participants were informed that any form of discrimination against HIV-positive individuals is a punishable offense, with provisions for imprisonment or monetary penalties for violators.
Jankalyan Social Institute’s President, Yogendra Pratap Singh, took a strong stand against societal bias, stating, “We must treat every individual with equality and dignity. Discriminating against an HIV-positive person is not only morally wrong but also legally punishable.” Singh encouraged participants to support HIV-positive individuals emotionally and help strengthen their morale. He further stressed the collective responsibility to ensure that government schemes benefit the most marginalized sections, especially in rural areas.
“This is not just a professional duty; it is our moral obligation to ensure that people living with HIV receive all available support without facing prejudice,” Singh added, urging the field workers to act as change agents within their communities.
The meeting witnessed active participation from key stakeholders, including Vinod Lahari and Rekha Jaiswal from the Vihaan Project, Jitendra Kumar Janghel, District Resource Coordinator, and Supervisors Rakhi Devi Sahu and Reva Sahu from the Link Worker Scheme. Representatives from the TAIYA Project, including Program Manager Nageshwar Munjare, Counselor Savita Singh, and Seema Devi Dewangan, also took part in the discussions along with several field-level link workers.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to eliminate stigma and discrimination against HIV-positive persons, focusing on building a society based on empathy, equality, and human rights.
