Growth may fall 0.86% due to HIV
According to the model projections, GDP would decline in 2015-16 by Rs 11,097,93 crore.
By TNN |
HYDERABAD: If the HIV and AIDS spread in India goes unchecked, the country's economic growth could decline by 0.86% points over the next 10 to 15 years, according to a study conducted by National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and supported by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
"The study indicated that per capita GDP could decline by 0.55% points. According to the model projections, GDP at 2002-03 prices would decline in 2015-16 by Rs 11,097,93 crore," said Ramamani Sundar, senior consultant of NCAER.
Talking on the sidelines of a workshop organized by Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, she said, the report also called for policy action against AIDS as a growth-enhancing endeavour. "In the absence of a policy action, government savings as percentage of GDP are likely to fall by 0.67% points, household savings by 1.15% points and investment by 1.16%," the study pointed out.
According to Ms Sundar, non-disclosure of HIV status is very high at the work place as people living with HIV and AIDS fear losing their jobs. Quoting the study, she said, 74% of HIV households did not disclose their status at their workplace and revealed that out of the 26% who have disclosed their status, 10% reported discrimination.
However, the situation is slowly changing. Industries are coming forward to create awareness among employees. Some are even taking action against any kind of discrimination at work place against HIV+ employees. "We have deployed condom vending machines in workplace. Besides, we also conduct awareness programmes for employees and their families. Of our 15,000 employees, over seven are found to be HIV positive. But we still retain them and have also made arrangements for their rehabilitation," said Yashasree Gurjar, chief general manger (corporate social responsibility), Ballrpur Industries.
The company has also set up over 15 clinics for truck drivers as part of its AIDS awareness programme. "We consider truck drivers as an important part of our value chain," she said.
"The study indicated that per capita GDP could decline by 0.55% points. According to the model projections, GDP at 2002-03 prices would decline in 2015-16 by Rs 11,097,93 crore," said Ramamani Sundar, senior consultant of NCAER.
Talking on the sidelines of a workshop organized by Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, she said, the report also called for policy action against AIDS as a growth-enhancing endeavour. "In the absence of a policy action, government savings as percentage of GDP are likely to fall by 0.67% points, household savings by 1.15% points and investment by 1.16%," the study pointed out.
According to Ms Sundar, non-disclosure of HIV status is very high at the work place as people living with HIV and AIDS fear losing their jobs. Quoting the study, she said, 74% of HIV households did not disclose their status at their workplace and revealed that out of the 26% who have disclosed their status, 10% reported discrimination.
However, the situation is slowly changing. Industries are coming forward to create awareness among employees. Some are even taking action against any kind of discrimination at work place against HIV+ employees. "We have deployed condom vending machines in workplace. Besides, we also conduct awareness programmes for employees and their families. Of our 15,000 employees, over seven are found to be HIV positive. But we still retain them and have also made arrangements for their rehabilitation," said Yashasree Gurjar, chief general manger (corporate social responsibility), Ballrpur Industries.
The company has also set up over 15 clinics for truck drivers as part of its AIDS awareness programme. "We consider truck drivers as an important part of our value chain," she said.
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