PU to have seats for cancer, HIV afflicted

PU to have seats for cancer, HIV afflicted
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Khushboo Sandhu

Chandigarh, July 08: Panjab University has decided to reserve oneseat in every department for HIV or cancer patients from thissession. Such students, however, have to meet the minimum eligibilitycriteria for admissions

The idea of reserving seats for such students was proposed by Vice-Chancellor Prof R C Sobti recently and was unanimously approved bythe Syndicate."I have been working in the field of cancer research for 40 yearsnow. Those suffering from such diseases need to be rehabilitated.They do not get enough chances in life.We are one of the firstuniversities in the country to have taken such an initiative," saidSobti.

PU Senator Dinesh Talwar, while appreciating the decision,said, "People who are suffering from such diseases tend to bedisillusioned and lose hope. We have to give a chance to them," hesaid.The idea has also received approval from those working in the areasof creating awareness about HIV. Dr Avnish Jolly, while welcoming thedecision taken by the varsity, said, "The step would go a long way inremoving the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS. The discrimination thatthese 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 andDental Council of India to push for such steps in other universitiesas well.