Addressing mediapersons today, Jagjit Singh Mann, founder chairman of the NGO said, “Punjab State AIDS Control Society advertised the the posts of ‘Outreach Workers’ on August 14, 2007. In this advertisement, their monthly salary was stated to be Rs 6,500 per month. But on August 22, 2007, a corrigendum was issued, and the salary of Outreach Workers was stated to be Rs 3,000 per month. Interestingly, the selected candidates for these posts were issued appointment letters on September 19, 2007, in which their salary was again stated to be Rs 6,500 per month. And on December 20, these workers were issued appointment letters by Punjab Health Minister, which mentioned their salary as Rs 3,500.”

Maan said that by changing the salary of outreach workers five times, the credibility of Punjab State AIDS Control Society had become questionable. He added, “A widow who is HIV positive and has been appointed as an outreach worker in Ludhiana belongs to Patiala. She spends Rs 120 daily as bus fare. This reflects the working of the society.”

Mann demanded that the Health Department should issue a white paper on AIDS, and also announce its AIDS control vision. He demanded a CBI enquiry into the funds received by Punjab State AIDS Control Society, under the National AIDS control programme.