A second-grade student has been denied entry to school in Hooghly district’s Bengai due to the HIV-positive status of their parents.
The child, who is completely healthy, faces daily rejection at the school gate as security personnel prevent him from entering. The situation has escalated beyond the school, with the affected family facing widespread social ostracisation in their village.
About a month ago, the father of the student tested positive for HIV, and it was later revealed that his wife was also infected. Following this, the local community distanced itself from the couple, refusing to interact with them or even use the same pond located in the village.’
The stigma affected their child’s right to education, with the school authorities citing pressure from villagers, guardians, and the management committee as the reason for barring him from attending classes. The headmaster and school management claim they support the student’s right to education but are unable to act against the prevailing social pressure.
The discrimination has not been limited to just the affected family. Five families, including the relatives of the couple, have been boycotted by the village, intensifying their isolation. The family of the student alleged that despite repeated complaints to the school education department, health authorities and local administration, the issue remains unresolved.
In response, the district health and administrative departments have assured that they will intervene and work towards resolving the matter. Authorities have also announced plans to increase awareness campaigns in the area to address misconceptions about HIV and reduce stigma.
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