PANJIM: Demanding that the 13 HIV positive be readmitted to the school at Rivona, the Goa Child Rights Commission (GCRC) has also recommended a proactive approach in the HIV/AIDS awareness programme across the State.
These observations were included in a report submitted by the GCRC to the State government on Friday.
The controversy primarily surrounded the Fatima High School in Rivona after a stand-off between the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) and the school management over the admission of children from a nearby orphanage, Nitya Seva Niketan.
The 13 HIV positive students were transferred out by the Church-run school following pressure from the parents, but the school management stuck with its decision to continue with education to the other 23 uninfected children from the same orphanage.
The parents had threatened to remove their wards from the school and shift them to schools elsewhere in the area.
According to the GCRC report, there was a need for a proactive approach in the HIV/AIDS awareness programme, especially when it was targeted for the student community. With the GCRC submitting its report, the ball was now in the court of the State government.
Meanwhile, Rivona School Manager Fr Lino Florindo told Herald that 25 school leaving certificates had been issued to parents so far.
“As per rules, leaving certificates have to be issued to parents within a week of application,” said Fr Florindo, adding that efforts were made by the school management to dissuade parents from leaving the school.
