The Bill introduced by Dr Y Radhakrishna Murty (CPI-M), provides that all citizens shall have the right to work so as to ensure them adequate means of livelihood.

In his statement of objects and reasons for the Bill, Murty said the provisions under Articles 39(a) and 41 of the Constitution were not justifiable and hence the need for the amendment.

Meanwhile, the Government today conceded that AIDS is spreading rapidly in India and during the past two years it has shown a marked increase in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur and Tamil Nadu.

Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Health Dalit Ezhilmalai said the total number of AIDS patients reported as on January, 31 was 6,703.

He said in order to prevent and control the spread of AIDS in India, a comprehensive programme is currently under implementationthroughout the country as a Centrally-sponsored scheme.

CONCURRENT LIST: Minister for Human Resource Development Murli Manohar Joshi said the process of bringing sports under the Concurrent List was on and an all-party meeting to discuss the subject would be called by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs shortly.

In reply to a question, Dr Joshi said with a view to making sports more attractive, the Government has introduced a new scheme called, `scheme for assisting promising Sportspersons and supporting personnel'', wherein eminent sportspersons can be given amount up to Rs 500,000 for purchasing equipment, training, engagement of coaches and scientific support.

The Minister said the sports federations have also been asked to hold national level tournaments for sub-juniors, juniors and seniors to improve performance of players. The federations are also given grants for equipment, foreign exposures and holding national and international tournaments. Foreign coaches have also been provided tothe National Sports federations in selected disciplines to improve the standards.

RHINO DEATHS: Forty-six rhinoceros were killed in Kaziranga National Park in Assam during last three years.

Giving this information, Minister of State for Forests Babu Lalmarandi, in a written reply said, as many as 26 rhinos were killed in 1996 while 12 were killed in 1997 and 8 last year.

The Minister admitted that poaching of rhino is one of the major threats to its population in the park which has 1164 rhinos as per 1993 census.

Marandi said preventive measures were taken against poaching by arranging regular and intensive patrolling by the forest staff.

COMMISSION FOR CHILDREN: Setting up of a national commission for children is under the consideration of the Government.

The Human Resource Development Minister said a declaration to this effect was made by the Prime Minister on November 14 last year.