Kerala to introduce POCSO Act awareness lessons in school curriculum

The Kerala government has taken steps to enhance child safety and awareness by incorporating lessons about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act into its school curriculum, starting from the academic year 2024. The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) is spearheading this initiative, with the goal of educating students about their rights and safety.

The decision was prompted by concerns raised by the Kerala High Court, which highlighted a disturbing rise in sexual offences against children. During a recent bail hearing, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas expressed worries about children’s lack of familiarity with the legal provisions laid out in the POCSO Act, even in cases of consensual relationships involving minors.

To address these concerns, the SCERT has taken proactive measures to integrate POCSO Act awareness into the curriculum. Expert educators will develop textbooks that handle this sensitive subject with the necessary care and sensitivity. Textbook creation is set to begin in August, and the SCERT has assured the court that the new curriculum will be introduced in a phased manner.

For the academic year 2024-2025, the POCSO Act lessons will be integrated into the curriculum for standards I, III, V, VI, VIII, and IX. For standards II, IV, VII, and X, this integration will commence from the academic year 2025-2026. To ensure effective implementation, teachers will undergo workshops after the curriculum revision.

The concerted efforts of the state government, SCERT, and the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA) in addressing this crucial matter have been lauded by the Kerala High Court. This move reflects a proactive approach toward safeguarding children’s rights and creating a safer environment for them to grow and learn.

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