The Cabinet has approved amendments to the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014. The Bill seeks to safeguard rights of HIV-affected people, as well as to prevent and control spread of HIV and AIDS. <br/><br/>The Bill also aims to enhance access to health care services by ensuring informed consent and confidentiality for HIV-related testing, treatment and clinical research. <br/><br/>The provisions of the Bill seek to address HIV-related discrimination, strengthen the existing programme by bringing in legal accountability and establish formal mechanisms for inquiring into complaints and redressing grievances. It makes provision for appointment of an ombudsman by State Governments to inquire into complaints related to the violation of the Act and penal actions in case of non-compliance. <br/><br/>Every HIV infected or affected person below the age of 18 years has the right to reside in a shared household and enjoy the facilities of the household. The Bill also prohibits any individual from publishing information or advocating feelings of hatred against HIV positive persons and those living with them. It also provides for Guardianship for minors. There are approximately 21 lakh persons estimated to be living with HIV in India. <br/><br/>Even though the prevalence of HIV is decreasing over the last decade, the Bill will provide essential support to National AIDS Control Programme in arresting new infections.<br/><br/>In another decision, the Cabinet permitted HLL Lifecare Limited, a Mini Ratna PSU under Health Ministry, to sub-lease more than 330 acres of Government land at Chengalpattu in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu to set up a Medical park. <br/><br/>The medical devices manufacturing park will be set up through a Special Purpose Vehicle and HLL's shareholding will be above 50 per cent. It will be the 1st medical technology manufacturing cluster in the country. It aims to boost local manufacturing of hi-end products at significantly lower cost. It will result in affordable health care delivery to a large section of people. It will also contribute to development of medical devices, technology sector, generating employment and boost manufacturing. <br/><br/>The Cabinet also approved transfer on 2 acres of Indian Agricultural Research Institute land to Veterinary Council of India (VCI) on lease basis. The decision will enable VCI to expand its activities related to skill upgradation of in-service veterinary professionals.<br/><br/>Cabinet approved MoU between India and European Union on water cooperation. It aims to strengthen technological, scientific and management capabilities of India and the European Union in the field of water management.<br/><br/>The Cabinet also approves MoU with the African Asian Rural Development Organization for capacity building in the field of Rural Development.

The Cabinet has approved amendments to the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014. The Bill seeks to safeguard rights of HIV-affected people, as well as to prevent and control spread of HIV and AIDS. <br/><br/>In another decision, the Cabinet permitted HLL Lifecare Limited, a Mini Ratna PSU under Health Ministry, to sub-lease more than 330 acres of Government land at Chengalpattu in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu to set up a Medical park. <br/><br/>The medical devices manufacturing park will be set up through a Special Purpose Vehicle and HLL's shareholding will be above 50 per cent. It will be the 1st medical technology manufacturing cluster in the country. It aims to boost local manufacturing of hi-end products at significantly lower cost. It will result in affordable health care delivery to a large section of people. It will also contribute to development of medical devices, technology sector, generating employment and boost manufacturing. <br/><br/>The Cabinet also approved transfer on 2 acres of Indian Agricultural Research Institute land to Veterinary Council of India (VCI) on lease basis. The decision will enable VCI to expand its activities related to skill upgradation of in-service veterinary professionals.<br/><br/>Cabinet approved MoU between India and European Union on water cooperation. It aims to strengthen technological, scientific and management capabilities of India and the European Union in the field of water management.<br/><br/>The Cabinet also approves MoU with the African Asian Rural Development Organization for capacity building in the field of Rural Development.