The HIV Bill, 2014, that would provide legal backing to people suffering from HIV-AIDS and also to those who are working to curb HIV was passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014, would ensure equal rights to people afflicted with HIV and AIDS in getting treatment, admission in educational institutions and jobs. It would also address HIV related discrimination, said Union Health Minister J P Nadda.

The provision of the Bill would be strengthening the existing programme by bringing in legal accountability and establishing formal mechanism for inquiring into complaints and redressing grievances.

The Bill was first introduced in Rajya Sabha in February 2014 and has gone through a very exhaustive process to include provision to strengthen the hands of people suffering and working to curb HIV. Introducing the Bill, the minister said India has impressive performance while curbing AIDS, while HIV deaths have declined by 54 % against the global decline rate of 41 %.

The minister said the passage of the Bill made this day a "historic day" because the government can now ensure better quality of life to people living with these diseases.

On the concern raised by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh over insufficient allocation for National AIDS Control Programme, the Health Minister said Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated for this year and there is no question of reducing funds for this Central scheme.

The Bill also has provision to prevent and control the spread of HIV and AIDS, and is aimed to enhance access to health care services by ensuring informed consent and confidentiality for HIV-related testing, treatment and clinical research.

Participating in the debate, members asked the government to make sure that all the provisions of the Bill were implemented effectively and HIV patients were given proper treatment in time. Those who participated in the debate also included SP leader Naresh Agarwal, Congress MP Oscar Fernandes and YSRCP's V Vijaisai Reddy.