Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
5. India has brought down HIV incidence, but it must do more in removing social stigma and tackle inequalities faced by the affected people. Discuss. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: New Indian Express
Why the question:
The theme of World AIDS Day 2021 “End Inequalities. End AIDS. End Pandemics”
Key Demand of the question:
To explain the reasons why India has been able to achieve positive results in the fight against AIDS and also highlight the challenges that we are yet to overcome.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by stating the progress India has achieved in its fight against AIDS.
Body:
First, give a brief account of the steps taken by the government in fight against AIDS – NACP, role of NACO, the HIV and AIDS Bill which prohibits discrimination amongst others etc.
Next, mention about the unending stigma faced by AIDS survivors in housing, employment, own family etc.
Next, mention the various inequalities faced gender inequalities, discrimination against the high-risk groups, inequalities invoice, income inequality and work on to provide social protection to the infected and affected population.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to end stigma against AIDS and address the inequalities.
