75% Discount on Train Fares to HIV Positive Individuals

The railway ministry has agreed to provide HIV positive individuals with 75% concession on train fares even in reserved compartments thus making it easier for them to travel to hospitals and ART centres.

Till date 75% concession was available for patients with cancer, leprosy and TB, while HIV positive patients were given 50% concession.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice P Sathasivam was told by ministry counsel Aman Ahluwalia that the concessional travel will be extended to the escort of HIV patients as well, who will simply be referred to as patients with immune deficiency.

Meanwhile all HIV/AIDS patients living below poverty line (BPL) will receive Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cards to get a supply of rations, the food ministry has revealed.


Source-Medindia
RAS