BIRATNAGAR: A private school here in Biratnagar Sub-metropolis has denied admission to two HIV infected children.

Basanta Basnet, principal, Udayananda Boarding School in Ward No 15, told the parents of the two girls that other students might quit the school if their daughters were admitted.

The girls had been studying in Nargram Primary School of Tankisinwari, Biratnagar. They are now with Family Treatment and Counselling Centre.

Basnet said, “I cannot immediately decide on the admission of the HIV-infected children without consulting other guardians, PABSON and the District Education Office.” Sharmila Gurung, chairperson of the centre, said, “We’d also bought the school uniform for the girls hoping that the girls would be enrolled.” She said Basnet denied the admission, saying the number of students in the college may decrease if HIV positive children were admitted .

The mothers of the girls — both HIV positive — are also living in the centre. However, their fathers, after getting assistance from several local organisations, have settled down in the society.

Child rights organisations have flayed the school’s

decision. Gurung said they would work for creating favourable environment

for the girls’ study after

discussing the matter

with CDO and PABSON. Dibyaraj Kandel, acting chief, DEO, said they would take action against the school after probe.