Parents Raise Objection on Goa School Admitting HIV Students

PANAJI: State education department today sought a report from its officials in South Goa in the matter of a school, where some parents raised objection on the school's move to admit 13 children, who they claim are HIV positive.      

Director, State Education department Anil Powar sought detailed report from the local officer about the happenings in the school at Rivona village in Sanguem taluka, nearly 50 kms from here.         

The Parent Teachers Association (PTA) objected admission of 13 students in the school, claiming that they are HIV+ and have threatened the school management to withdraw their wards, if admission of HIV+ students is not cancelled, deputy collector Ajit Panchwadkar, told PTI.         

Assistant District Education Inspector, education department said, they have submitted a detailed report to higher authority, in which it has opposed withdrawal of students, merely on the ground that they are reportedly HIV+.      

"The final call would be taken by higher officials, who are expected to meet tomorrow," he said.          

"The agitating parents do not have legal or moral standing. Even disclosing whether the child is HIV positive or not, is a crime as per SC directives," Panchwadkar said.            

Meanwhile, the school management has stick to its decision to allow the 13 students to study in the school.          

An official of the school said that they will not discriminate against the students, just because parents have threatened to agitate.

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