A policy note on AIDS/HIV unveiled by the Kerala government instructs all the educational institutions in the state to show no dissent in admitting children infected with the disease.
The policy note is mainly envisaged to reorient the existing educational system to minimize the socio-economic and developmental negative impacts related to HIV/AIDS in the society.
The policy states that many of the infected children are being ostracized by the society for needless fear and hate of the disease. There is no need to discriminate infected children fearing the disease would infect other children, if they play or study together.
Internationally, the idea of exclusive schools for infected children is being opposed, as it will cause to isolate them from the mainstream of society.
Similar to any other individual, these children also have rights to education and decent living, right to knowledge and privacy, right against discrimination, live in a safe environment etc. as per the rights guaranteed by the Indian constitution.
The policy calls for incorporating the required changes in the syllabus to root out misconceptions about the disease, in the minds of children. It has asked the education department to make a project report on special mechanism to ensure education for HIV positive children.
The report should stress on ways to avoid infection, unwarranted hate among fellow students and teachers, creation of awareness among the students, teachers etc. to ensure safe and worthwhile living for the infected children, said the report.