Sex education may soon become mandatory in schools, government’s update on Supreme Court’s concern

There seems to be a big initiative being taken towards making comprehensive sex education a part of the curriculum in the schools of the country. During the ongoing hearing in the Supreme Court, the Central Government informed that a 26-member expert committee has submitted its report on this subject. Now after getting the approval of the court, the process of implementing it can be taken forward. The aim of this initiative is to provide correct information to the teenagers, make them aware of their rights and reduce the possible misuse of the POCSO law.

Government gave important information during Supreme Court hearing

This matter is related to the right to privacy of teenagers, on which the Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognizance. Justice B. V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan’s bench is hearing this case. The court had also asked the Central Government what preparations have been made regarding sex education in schools. In response, the government said that the expert committee has submitted its report and it will be implemented after getting the final approval.

Court’s concern on cases related to teenagers aged 15 to 18 years

During the hearing, the court particularly expressed concern over consensual relationships between teenagers aged 15 to 18 years. The court believes that it may not be appropriate to classify such cases as serious criminal offenses in all circumstances. For this reason, emphasis is being laid on protecting the rights of teenagers and increasing legal awareness.

26 member expert committee prepared roadmap

Following the instructions of the Supreme Court, the Central Government had constituted a 26-member National Expert Committee under the chairmanship of the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The committee included experts from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), clinical psychologists and representatives of various ministries. The committee was given the responsibility of preparing a practical roadmap so that teenagers can get better information about their rights, sexual safety and POCSO law.

‘Sex education is the need of the hour’, Parents Association supported

Talking to ABP Live on this matter, Parents Association Director Ashok Aggarwal welcomed this initiative and said that the need for comprehensive sex education has been felt in India for a long time. According to him, today’s children are more aware and curious than before, but many times they get confused due to lack of correct information. If this subject is taught in schools in a scientific and balanced manner, then teenagers will be able to take better decisions and avoid unnecessary confusion.

Lack of communication in families increases misunderstandings

Ashok Aggarwal says that even today in most families there is no open discussion on topics like sex education. In such a situation, children do not get correct information and they start taking decisions based on incomplete or misleading information. He believes that by getting systematic education in schools, teenagers will be able to understand relationships, boundaries and responsibilities with more maturity.

‘Both safety and awareness of children will increase’

Social worker Yogita Bhayana also supported this initiative and said that keeping in mind the rights of teenagers, the suggestion of making sex education mandatory is important. According to him, this will not only reduce the possible misuse of the POCSO law but will also increase the safety and awareness of children. He said that such education will not be limited to just legal information, but will also develop children’s understanding of safe behaviour, personal rights and taking responsible decisions.

The process will proceed after court approval

At present the report of the expert committee is with the Central Government. Now after getting the final approval from the Supreme Court, formal steps can be taken towards including comprehensive sex education in the school curriculum.

Also read: Comprehensive sex education may start in schools soon, know what CSE is and what will be taught to children

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