Karnataka - Bellary

`Funds not released for HIV/AIDS projects'

Staff Correspondent

BELLARY: G. Karunakar Reddy, MP, has criticised the Union Government for not taking steps to make the district free of AIDS. The former Union Minister for Health, Sushma Swaraj, had announced that efforts would be made to eradiate the disease from the district.

Speaking at a function to inaugurate the newly constructed building of the Bellary branch of the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) here on Sunday, Mr. Reddy said that in view of the high incidence of HIV/AIDS cases being reported from Bellary district, Ms. Swaraj had announced a special programme to make the district HIV/AIDS free within five years. Even after two years, the Centre has not released funds, he said.

Mr. Reddy expressed concern over the increase in population and underlined the impact it will have on growth and development of the country.

Mr. Reddy wanted organisations such as the FPAI to open branches in all districts to create awareness among the people about the need to check the growing population and educate them on the advantages of a small family.

B.K. Srinivas Murthy, a leading physician, who inaugurated the building, commended the Bellary branch of the FPAI for its efforts. Tavergi, treasurer of FPAI, Mumbai; S.B. Kulkarni, Branch Manager, spoke. The Mayor, Somashekar Reddy, was present.

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