Agartala, June 20: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha yesterday emphasized the need to increase public awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention, particularly among the youth. He urged greater involvement of young people in sports, cultural activities, and social service, stating that elected representatives at the three-tier panchayat level, Members of Parliament, and parents have a crucial role to play.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the inauguration of an HIV/AIDS awareness seminar jointly organized by the Tripura AIDS Control Society and the State Health Department at the lobby of the Tripura Legislative Assembly. Members of the Assembly actively participated in the session.
Dr. Saha noted that a healthy society ensures a strong and vibrant human life. He added that stringent testing procedures are in place for both blood donation and transfusion to prevent the spread of AIDS. Describing AIDS as a deadly disease, he reiterated the State Government’s commitment to combating it through various measures and declared a ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy toward both AIDS and drug abuse.
“To protect youth from this deadly disease, awareness must be increased. Public representatives must rise above politics and work together to eliminate it from society,”
the Chief Minister stressed.
Several dignitaries also spoke at the seminar, including Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratanlal Nath, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, Speaker of the Assembly Biswabandhu Sen, MLAs Rampada Jamatia, Sudip Roy Barman, Gopal Roy, and Birajit Sinha. They presented various proposals to the Legislative Forum aimed at reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the state.
Dr. Chinmoyee Das, ADG of CST & IT and NACO, delivered a detailed presentation on the spread and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Health & Family Welfare Secretary Kiran Gitte delivered the welcome address.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also unveiled 15 new IEC (Information, Education, Communication) materials developed in Bengali, Kokborok, and English by the Tripura AIDS Control Society to enhance public awareness.
The seminar was also attended by Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, Industries & Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, Cooperation Minister Sukla Charan Noatia, Deputy Speaker Ram Prasad Pal, Chief Whip Kalyani Saha Roy, Tripura DGP Anurag, and other dignitaries.
Dr. Samarpita Das, Project Director of TMSACS, delivered the vote of thanks.
