Now, one seat in all PU depts for HIV+ or cancer patients

Panjab University has decided to reserve one seat in every department for HIV positive students or cancer patients from this session. Such students, however, have to meet the minimum eligibility criteria for admissions.

The idea of reserving seats for such students was proposed by Vice-Chancellor Prof R C Sobti recently and was unanimously approved by the Syndicate.

"I have been working in the field of cancer research for 40 years now. Those suffering from such diseases need to be rehabilitated. They do not get enough chances in life.We are one of the first universities in the country to have taken such an initiative," said Sobti.

PU Senator Dinesh Talwar, while appreciating the decision, said, "People who are suffering from such diseases tend to be disillusioned and lose hope. We have to give a chance to them," he said.

The idea has also received approval from those working in the areas of creating awareness about HIV. Dr Avnish Jolly, while welcoming the decision taken by the varsity, said, "The step would go a long way in removing the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS. The discrimination that these 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 and Dental Council of India to push for such steps in other universities as well.