Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NR) 
 
Mangalore Dec 6: The alarming increase in HIV/AIDS cases in the workforce is a major challenge to be dealt with, and it is high time that all commercial and industrial establishments came forward with effective plans, declared Gurudas M Bhat state labour welfare commissioner, here on Wednesday, December 5.
 
In the course of the meet he pointed out that the workforce is falling prey to HIV/AIDS cases which in turn was affecting one per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  He observed that HIV/AIDS which results in serious health problems like uneasiness, depression and other symptoms finally affects the working skills of workers, resulting in production loss, he added.
 
On a query pertaining to the seriousness of HIV/AIDS in the state, Bhat elucidated that Karnataka was one amongst the six states in the country having the highest number of such cases. The terrifying aspect of this disease is that it was not confined just to truck drivers and labourers as is widely perceived but also widespread among skilled workers in Bangalore, he stated with concern.
 
With regard to the steps undertaken to tackle this menace of AIDS by the department, Bhat said it would yield results only if entrepreneurs cooperate wholeheartedly.