The AIDS bomb is ticking fast in the hill state, already struggling with diseases like TB and cholera. With more than 2,622 HIV positive cases already detected in the state till December 31 last year, it is time for the authorities to sit up. Ironically, 60 per cent of the HIV infected persons are women, who have become victims of the dreaded disease from their husbands. Official figures put the number of AIDs patients up to 499 in Himachal. Alarmed over the situation, which is expected to worsen in the next few years, the BJP government has come out with an idea of pre-marital AIDS tests. Says Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, "We shall be motivating the people to go in for pre-marital AIDs tests. Just as janampatris are matched before the marriage, youth can also match their AIDS-free reports.' This step, however, says Dhumal, could be voluntary and not a government-backed campaign.The role of the government will be spreading awareness and working out strategies to fight the disease. In his budget speech, the Chief Minister announced a battle against AIDS and asked the government agencies to take all necessary steps to check the spread of the disease in Himachal. Reports suggest that highest instance of AIDS is reported from Dhumal's own native district of Hamirpur, followed by Mandi and Sirmaur districts. Over a dozen persons have died of AIDS in the state in past 15 years, though the health officials admit that exact number of persons could be much higher. Dhumal now says that nearly 2,622 anganwari centres working in the state could also ben converted into Red Ribbon clubs for spreading awareness, especially in the state's industrial belt and areas with higher instance of AIDS. Some of the NGOs working in the AIDS control claim that intervention of the government has not been very effective in past few years. "There are people, including those infected by the disease, who are not prepared to talk on the issue. This is because of lack of awareness. If the government is able to motivate the people to go for pre-marital tests, the step will surely be beneficial. But how many will actually be ready?' wonders Gopal Krishan, an activist working with Gyan Vigyan Samiti, an NGO. Dr Sulakshana Puri, Project Director of the AIDS Control Society ,when contacted, said the government is taking help from the NGOs and also social organisations in spreading awareness. Some of the NGOs have been able to reach out to the AIDS victims and managed to motivate them to take up vocational jobs for their earnings. "The measure of pre-marital test is a definitely a futuristic steps and its results will be amazing once motivation level is raised,' she feels.