New Delhi, Decemaber 23, 2006 - The recent decision taken by the Andhra Pradesh state government to implement a legislation to make compulsory for couples getting married to get an HIV test done prior to  registration of marriage has created a confusion in the society.  The opinion is divided, some are in favor and some are not.

Dr. Raj Baldev, Chairman National Integration Assembly (NIA) and the Convenor of Worldwide AIDS Prevention Program said here today in a meeting of the NIA, “I am sure that the motive behind the entire decision is a noble one through it may some take time to understand its long run benefits.”

“If the legislation were made voluntary, no body would like to go for testing.  HIV positive cases are mounting day by day at an alarming speed, and it is wise to plug them rather than to give a thin argument,” he said.

“In fact, the Andhra State has shown us the way how this legislation can help to combat the disease and create awareness among the masses,” Dr. Raj Baldev said.
Rudroneel Ghosh wrote in his article in indiaenews.com: “ This is   so misguided a policy and fraught with so many loopholes that I take it as my solemn duty to denounce it with the utmost contempt that I can muster.

“ Firstly, lets look at the entire issue practically. What exactly is such a piece of legislation trying to achieve? The state government’s answer is that this will somehow help in combating the disease and create awareness among the masses.
“Wrong, by making it mandatory for couples to go in for an HIV test before marriage one is simply encouraging people who are doubtful about their HIV status to illegally procure HIV negative certificates.

“How so? Well majority of the marriages that happen in this country are arranged marriages and in the arranged marriage system it doesn’t really help if your future spouse is HIV positive. It is also true that many people don’t have sex for the first time only after getting married.

Ms. Shashi Kala, NIA Secretary said, “ The difference of opinion is natural in such legislations since it is hard to adopt such a law in the beginning. But if the people take it in the right spirit, it is one of the best legislations adopted by the Andhra Govt. to check HIV positive cases.”

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