Raipur, Feb 28 (UNI) Legislators, cutting across party lines, today demanded in the Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha a probe into utilisation of funds meant for the National AIDS control programme, alleging that the fund was being siphoned off by unscrupulous NGOs and corrupt officials.

Raising the issue through a call attention notice, Mr Balmukund Dewangan(BJP) and his party colleagues alleged rampant corruption in the programme. They said the number of HIV infected and AIDS patients had increased in Chhattisgarh.

Opposition Congress members too supported the ruling party members demanding a probe by a house committee into the manner in which the funds were being spent.

Mr Devji Bhai Patel (BJP) pointed out that the state bureau of investigation of economic offences was already conducting an inquiry against the Director, AIDS control society. He also demanded removal of the officer concerned.

Health Minister Krishnamurti Bandhi, in his reply, admitted increase in number of AIDS patients. However, he claimed that Chhattisgarh was still among the states with low prevalence rate.

''Low prevalence is because of the efforts of the state AIDS control samiti'', he claimed, adding neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra had high prevalence of HIV/AIDS.

UNI