Panjab University have seats reserved for HIV afflicted

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PU to have seats for cancer, HIV afflicted

Khushboo Sandhu

Chandigarh, July 08: Panjab University has decided to reserve one

seat in every department for HIV or cancer patients from this

session. Such students, however, have to meet the minimum eligibility

criteria for admissions.

The idea of reserving seats for such students was proposed by Vice-

Chancellor Prof R C Sobti recently and was unanimously approved by

the Syndicate.

" I have been working in the field of cancer research for 40 years

now. Those suffering from such diseases need to be rehabilitated.

They do not get enough chances in life.We are one of the first

universities in the country to have taken such an initiative, " said

Sobti.

PU Senator Dinesh Talwar, while appreciating the decision,

said, " People who are suffering from such diseases tend to be

disillusioned and lose hope. We have to give a chance to them, " he

said.

The idea has also received approval from those working in the areas

of creating awareness about HIV. Dr Avnish Jolly, while welcoming the

decision taken by the varsity, said, " The step would go a long way in

removing the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS. The discrimination that

these people face would also lessen. In fact, it would enhance self-

reliance among students. "

The V-C said he would also write to the Medical Council of India and

Dental Council of India to push for such steps in other universities

as well.

http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=245011