'Comprehensive sex education' coming soon to schools, govt tells Supreme Court
The Indian government has informed the Supreme Court that it intends to introduce comprehensive sex education into the national school curriculum. This initiative aims to address issues related to adolescent relationships and child safety as recommended by a national expert committee.
Why it matters
This represents a major policy shift in India, moving toward formalizing sensitive health and safety education to address legal and social challenges regarding adolescent rights.
NEW DELHI: The long-standing taboo around sex education is finally set to end in India, with the subject poised to become a formal part of school curriculum.The government on Monday told the Supreme Court it is agreeable to introduce "comprehensive sex education" in schools/colleges as recommended by a committee and it would be implemented once approval is received from the court.Appearing before a bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan, additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati said government has accepted the report, which will be implemented across the country.The report has been filed in compliance with the apex court's order to explore ways to prevent an increasing number of cases of minor pregnancy and adolescent love from being criminalised under the Pocso Act.Panel members suggest ‘child sexual abuse’ be made part of core syllabusCentral government had appointed a 26-member national expert committee headed by additional secretary, women and child…
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