Aiming to generate awareness about HIV/AIDS and also to encourage action to prevent its spread and further improve and develop the support and care initiatives at the workplace, the Union Ministry of Labour & Employment has formulated a national policy 'The National Policy on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work'.

The policy document was released by the Union Minister of Labour and Employment, Mallikarjun Kharge at the 43rd Session of the Standing Labour Committee held in New Delhi today.

The Ministry of Labour & Employment developed the Policy after intense consultations with ILO (International Labour Organization), NACO (National Aids Control Organization) and Social partners. It is hoped that the policy will help to generate awareness about HIV/AIDS, encourage action to prevent its spread and further improve and develop the support and care initiatives at the workplace.

The policy aims at preventing transmission of HIV infection amongst workers and their families; protect right of those who are infected and provide access to available care, support and treatment facilities, deal with issues relating to stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS by assuring them equity and dignity at the workplace and ensure safe migration and mobility with access to information services on HIV/AIDS.

Releasing the policy document, Kharge said that HIV/AIDS is a major threat to the world of work and it has shown maximum impact on the most productive segment of the labour force. It has emerged as a major workplace issue requiring urgent attention from all stakeholders.