Kerala HC Praises Collective Efforts Of KELSA To Introduce POCSO Awareness In School Curriculum From 2024-25
The Kerala High Court has acknowledged and appreciated the significant efforts of Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA), the State Government, and the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in enhancing the safety and well-being of children by providing them with essential knowledge of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) awareness.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas while considering a bail application noted that this was because the children did not have any awareness about the legal provisions under the POCSO Act. The Court in the judgment of August 26, 2022, had invoked its jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to direct KELSA, the State Government, and SCERT to include POCSO in the school curriculum for making students aware against the said Act.
Advocate P.C. Sasidharan, the Standing Counsel for the SCERT, submitted a noteworthy statement outlining concrete actions aimed at integrating awareness about the POCSO into the educational curriculum. According to the statement, the process of text book writing is slated to commence from August 1, 2023, under the careful guidance of expert educators who will approach the matter with utmost sensitivity.
Further, it was stated that awareness about POCSO will be an integral part of the curriculum for specific academic years. The plan is to implement POCSO awareness in standards I, III, V, VI, VIII, and IX from the academic year 2024-2025, while for standards II, IV, VII, and X, it will be rolled out from the academic year 2025-2026. These steps demonstrate a proactive approach towards educating young students about crucial aspects of personal safety and prevention of sexual offenses.
Furthermore, Advocate T.P. Hood, representing the State Government, highlighted that during May 2023, a significant one-day training program was conducted for teachers across the State, focusing on POCSO awareness. Remarkably, over 1,12,000 teachers actively participated in this training, which was held at various venues. This initiative not only reflects the dedication of the educational authorities but also underscores the commitment of educators to equip themselves with the knowledge needed to impart this critical information effectively.
Advocate A. Parvathy Menon also informed the Court that, as part of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Higher Secondary teachers have undergone orientation sessions through the KELSA. A report on this orientation will be filed, further emphasizing the concerted efforts to disseminate knowledge about POCSO among educators.
The Court acknowledged and appreciated the significant efforts of KELSA, the State Government, and SCERT in their collective pursuit of implementing POCSO awareness through curriculum revision and other innovative approaches.
In light of these developments, The Court directed for the issue of notice to be served to the National Council of Educational Research and Training, (NCERT) and a copy to be served to the Additional Solicitor General of India on behalf of the NCERT.
Accordingly, the Court listed the matter for September 18.
Cause Title: Anoop v. State of Kerala & Ors.
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