Children question the Chief Minister

BANGALORE: The political rumble from inside the government and the opposition seemed nothing in comparison to the posers presented by children to the ever-smiling Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda at a function at Vidhana Soudha on Tuesday.“Why do teachers take money to give government bicycles to children,” asked Vinayaka, from Chalagere village in Haveri district. The CM was speechless, but soon regained his poise and directed his secretary to take appropriate action.It was a similar reaction to a question from Ganesh of Raichur, who asked, "Why is Rs 5 collected in PHC while the registration card says it is free of cost?” But what touched hearts of all assembled was the issue of discrimination raised by a boy. “I am not allowed inside school as I am HIV positive,” he said.The chief minister was stunned and took time in suggesting an idea.“How about having a separate school for AIDS affected children,” CM asked.The boy was quick to reply, “That will make the children all the more conspicuous.”The CM said that this was a sensitive issue, which will be discussed at a meeting soon. “I’ll do something to remove the stigma and end discrimination,” he said.