the ngo-aids cell functioning under the Centre for Community Medicine ( ccm ) at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences was suddenly closed down after its coordinator Shankar Chowdhary went on a deputation elsewhere. The cell was operating since 1991.

Various non-governmental organisations ( ngo s), who were sponsored by the cell for spreading aids awareness, have been adversely affected by the closure. However, a new aids education and training cell is now working in place of the earlier one. The ngo-aids cell no longer exists as the project was over in September-October 1998, and since the funds of the cell were not handed over, we are not in a position to entertain any request for funds, said the coordinator of the new aids Education and Training Cell, Bir Singh.

It is said that constant friction between the faculty members has resulted in the present situation. Chowdhary has also been accused of leaving without giving any proper account of the fund.